Politicians 'Hat' Tricks

How important is your hat? In Nigeria, how you are dressed, particularly, your hat defines who you are. It tells where you come from, who you follow, and even the party you belong to. Politicians since the pre-independent era understood these principles and many of them have left a legacy of 'hats', which is still being copied till today.
Let us take a look at some notable politicians, who can hardly be seen in the public without their unique dress style and distinct hats.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo

Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his signature cap.

Dr. Rahman Mimiko, Ondo State Governor, note the similarity in the hat with Chief Awolowo.

Awo, as he is popularly called, is one of the founding fathers of Nigeria. He died in 1987. This politician is hardly ever seen in the public without his signature hat in his life time. The founder of the Action Group and the Unity Party of Nigeria left a lasting legacy of free education and other populist programs, which helped to accelerate the development of the old Western Region of Nigeria. Consequently, he commanded a large followership - known as Awoist. His followers demonstrate their loyalty by donning the famous 'Awo hat'. Notable among them is Dr. Segun Mimiko, the Ondo State governor.


Dr. Nnmadi Azikiwe

Dr. Nnmadi Azikiwe, nationalist and founding father of Nigeria.

Pioneer nationalist, journalist, politician and one of the founding fathers of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe, also known as 'Zik', was the first president of Nigeria and first premier of old Eastern region. He was known for his red hat. The great Zik of Africa and founder of the old Nigeria Peoples Party also commanded a large followership known as the 'Zikist Movement'. Zik died in 1996.

Alhaji Tafawa Balewa

Alhaji Tafawa Balewa and his turban.

Conservative nationalist and the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Tafawa Balewa was one of the founding fathers of Nigeria. He was also a founding member of the old Northern People Congress on the platform of which he became the first prime minister of the country. Tafawa Balewa was hardly seen in public without his traditional Islamic garb. He also commanded a large followership in the old Northern Region of Nigeria.

Alhaji Shehu Shagari

Alhaji Shehu Shagari and the famous 'Shagari Cap'

The first executive president of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari was elected president on the platform of the old National Party of Nigeria in 1979. This former president was famous for his 'Shagari Cap' and hardly appear in public, even up till now, without his signature cap. The former president now lives in his village, Shagari Village in Sokoto State.

Chief MKO Abiola

Late M.K.O. Abiola in style with his hat.

Moshood Kashimawo Abiola flamboyant politician, businessman, philanthropist, and winner of the June 12, 1993 election, which remained the most memorable election in Nigeria.
M.K.O. as he was fondly called by his followers, was known for his unique traditional Yoruba hat. Alhough, he died in 1998, many of his followers and admirers still wear their hat the 'Abiola way' till today.

Isiaka Adeleke

'Serubawon' Isiaka Adeleke

First civilian governor of Osun State and a former senator, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke is popularly known as 'serubawon' (intimidate them) because of his style of dressing. His signature cap contributed mainly to this image of an affluent and flambouyant politician. The Ede born politician, came from near obscurity to national limelight as the first civilian governor of Osun in 1997. Since then 'serubawon' has set himself apart from other politician due to his unique hat.

Bola Tinubu

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu with signature hat and glasses.

Former governor of Lagos State and chieftain of of the Action Congress of Nigeria. Asiwaju, as he is popularly called, is not complete without his hat and glasses. A committed Awoist, like the late sage,Tinubu has built for himself a cult of followers and admirers many of who are seen in public with his signature hat and glasses.