Governing Nigeria in style
In spite of their demanding schedules, the governors of the 36 states in Nigeria have their individual styles. We investigate their closets
Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina)
Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007, the 66-year-old Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, has an age-appropriate style. He loves to wear babariga and tagiriya (traditional Hausa cap). He favours cool colours. Grey, beige, cream, sky blue and brown are some of his favourite colours. He also exhibits a penchant for patterned fabrics.
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano)
His mode of dressing is clean and crisp. A former two-term deputy governor of Kano State serving from 1999 to 2003 and 2011 to 2015, he loves to appear in white traditional wear and red caps. At 67, he opts for comfortable footwear.
Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi)
Like most northern elites, Governor Bagudu of Kebbi State is a modest dresser. Sometimes, the former senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who will clock 55 later this year likes to wear kaftans. At other times, he opts for babariga and a matching cap.
Yahaya Bello (Kogi)
At 40, Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has an impeccable dress sense that is not lost on his admirers. In shape, his silhouette ensures clothes sit well on him. More often than not, he appears at functions dressed in white traditional wear. Aside from white, in his wardrobe are other cool colours like blue and grey. He rarely wears western attire.
Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara)
A former lecturer and banker, it is therefore not surprising that he has an exceptional style. In his early 50s, he easily ranks among the best-dressed governors in Nigeria. He puts on well-sewn agbada and has them in various hues. Similarly, he likes to wear suits when the occasion calls for it.
Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos)
Also in his 50s, Governor Ambode’s style was on the front burner during the electioneering period. His fashion is modern in a striking manner. Having an in-depth knowledge of the rules of fashion, he steps out dressed in traditional and English wear.
Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa)
At over 60, Al-Makura’s style is simple and uncomplicated. Like most of his contemporaries, he likes to wear babariga and does not hide his fascination with colours that ensure he stands out.
Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger)
A few years shy of clocking 50, the governor of Niger State is blessed with good looks which he accentuates with his choice of attire. He prefers to wear babariga at all times and is rarely seen adorning a different kind of attire. Notwithstanding, his choice of accessories complement his look at all times.
Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun)
Senator Ibikunle Amosun is one politician who created his own unique style right from his days in the National Assembly. He wears his cap in a peculiar manner and the fad has become popular in and around Ogun State. A lot of times, he steps out clad in local fabrics like adire, batik and Ankara. Occasionally, he also wears suits.
Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo)
In a class of his own, the Ondo State governor takes care to look good at all times. His love for simple but well-cut outfits made out of adire and ankara has become a feature too hard to ignore. The same goes for his preference for the Awolowo-styled caps which he has been wearing for over 10 years. Unlike some others in his ilk, he never wears agbada. He is always clad in buba and sokoto. Occasionally, he wears suits.
Rauf Aregbesola (Osun)
Aregbesola’s style is straightforward and does not vary that much. Definitely not a snappy dresser, he favours traditional garbs in light colours, especially white. The bespectacled state chief executive has an inimitable way of wearing his cap, even though his style is not as popular as Amosun’s.
Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo)
At over 60, Governor Ajimobi has a taste in clothes and accessories that cannot be faulted. The gap-toothed number one citizen of Oyo State prefers to wear clothes that fit his frame. As such, he loves to go about discharging his duties dressed in nice-looking traditional wear.
Simon Lalong (Plateau)
His style is not restricted. Sometimes he wears traditional outfits and at other times, he puts on suits. He favours dark colours and is not keen on showy wear.
Nyesom Wike (Rivers)
One of the best dressed governors in the South-South, his style varies. While he loves to put on English wear, there are times he embraces the Niger Delta regalia. He also loves linen.
Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto)
He was a former speaker of the House of Representatives. Like most of his counterparts from the northern part of Nigeria, his favourite mode of dressing is the babariga and a matching cap. Opting for light colours, his preferred hues are white, blue and grey.
Darius Ishaku (Taraba)
His heavily-embroidered agbada is a constant. The same goes for his red cap which is not to be toyed with. Fast becoming his signature look, his preference for traditional wear can’t be disregarded.
Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe)
Like most northern elites, the governor of Yobe State is at home with wearing babariga. In the last one year, he has stepped out wearing different designs and hues.
Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari (Zamfara)
His style is similar to what obtains in the rest of northern Nigeria where wearing babariga is the norm. Like most influential northerners, he invests in clothes made with choice fabrics.
Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia)
Not a pushover in the style department, Governor Ikpeazu, a clinical biochemist, rocks safari suits in exciting colours, with finesse. He rarely dons a cap,but when he does, it seals his look.His choice of pocket square is also worthy of note.
Bindo Jibrilla (Adamawa)
A business tycoon-turned-politician, this bespectacled 53-year-old governor is always smartly dressed. Not a stranger in the Nigerian political terrain, top on his style list are pastel-coloured babarigas and traditional caps. Occasionally, he dons well-tailored suits.
Udom Emmanuel (Akwa-Ibom)
His style is vibrant and provides for a breath of fresh air. He favours apparels that reflect his financial background hence his leaning for suits in solid hues. A banker of repute, he is also at home with the traditional South-South attire, especially when they come in choice fabrics.
Willie Obiano (Anambra)
At 60, Governor Obiano is trendy. A non-conformist, he has turned up at several official outings in mostly two-button suits in the last two years. Some of them are gray; most are dark navy blue, but each is tailored to his frame. His black-and-white monochrome bowler hats cannot be ignored.
Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi)
This 59-year-old accomplished lawyer boasts of a style that is uniquely his. Not one to go overboard with fashion, he is always clad in babariga and tagiriya (traditional Hausa cap).He loves them in cool colours, and they complement his rich skin tone.
Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa)
Call him the epitome of the Niger Delta style and you won’t be wrong. This is because the former lawmaker has a rare predilection for the South-South regalia that does justice to his frame. An experienced lawyer, he rarely steps out in formal attire.
Samuel Ortom (Benue)
The fifth executive governor of Benue State is a conservative dresser. The traditional A’nger cap, which is native to the Tiv ethnic group, is clearly one of his favourite fashion accessories. Although reserved, you can’t ignore his love for well-tailored shirts and blazers.
Kashim Shettima (Borno)
His style is typical of a northern Nigerian elite. However, this agric economist doesn’t joke with his exquisitely embroidered babariga.
Benedict Ayade (Cross River)
At 47, he is one of the youngest Nigerian governors. A trained environmental expert, he displays a deep knowledge of trends at all times and loves English wear. His free-spirited style is also a refreshing change.
Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta)
This accomplished medical doctor often receives compliments for his unique dress sense. Mostly garbed in tastefully sewn traditional attire, Okowa loves his red cap and rarely steps out without it.
David Umahi (Ebonyi)
His dress sense typifies the elegance of the traditional Ebonyi attire. Of a cheerful disposition, he favours safari suits with a twist. A civil engineer by training, this 52-year-old governor is a lover of bowler hats. He has them in different shapes and hues.
Adams Oshiomhole (Edo)
Previously known for his signature khaki uniforms, a carryover from his days as a labour activist, Gov. Oshiomhole currently sports stylish suits in alluring colours, especially the electric blue shade. He looks dapper in them and isn’t shy to show them off. Many attribute his new looks to his pretty wife, Iara.
Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti)
For Gov. Fayose, his style is all about comfort. He is a lover of trendy fashion pieces especially polo shirts and T-shirts. At all times, he keeps it smart. Youthful in more ways than one, he doesn’t suffer fools gladly in the fashion department.
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu)
Popularly called Gburugburu, the former lawmaker like his contemporaries in the East, stuns in traditional attires. Modest in his appearance, he loves the Igbo red cap and good shoes.
Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe)
A former Accountant General of the Federation, Gov. Dankwanbo, who clocked 54 recently, has a liking for the babariga and a matching traditional cap. He goes for colours that compliment his complexion and physique. Occasionally, he steps out in suits to the delight of many.
Rochas Okorocha (Imo)
You can’t separate Okorocha from his signature muffler, which comes in different shades.Blessed with the gift of gab, he patronises Nigerian designers even though he loves to make a statement in his appearance.Comfortable in his own skin, he pulls off any outfit with ease.
Mohammed Badaru (Jigawa)
His greying beard complements his looks. At 54, this accountant wears the traditional babaringa with flair. A recipient of National Honour of the Member of the Order of the Niger, he clearly knows what time it is in the fashion world.
Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna)
Blessed with a physique that ensures clothes sit well on him, this first-class quantity surveying graduate is a classic dresser. He loves tunics, kaftans, safaris, and occasionally, he spices up his look with a cap in red, black or white.
Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina)
Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007, the 66-year-old Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, has an age-appropriate style. He loves to wear babariga and tagiriya (traditional Hausa cap). He favours cool colours. Grey, beige, cream, sky blue and brown are some of his favourite colours. He also exhibits a penchant for patterned fabrics.
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano)
His mode of dressing is clean and crisp. A former two-term deputy governor of Kano State serving from 1999 to 2003 and 2011 to 2015, he loves to appear in white traditional wear and red caps. At 67, he opts for comfortable footwear.
Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi)
Like most northern elites, Governor Bagudu of Kebbi State is a modest dresser. Sometimes, the former senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who will clock 55 later this year likes to wear kaftans. At other times, he opts for babariga and a matching cap.
Yahaya Bello (Kogi)
At 40, Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has an impeccable dress sense that is not lost on his admirers. In shape, his silhouette ensures clothes sit well on him. More often than not, he appears at functions dressed in white traditional wear. Aside from white, in his wardrobe are other cool colours like blue and grey. He rarely wears western attire.
Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara)
A former lecturer and banker, it is therefore not surprising that he has an exceptional style. In his early 50s, he easily ranks among the best-dressed governors in Nigeria. He puts on well-sewn agbada and has them in various hues. Similarly, he likes to wear suits when the occasion calls for it.
Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos)
Also in his 50s, Governor Ambode’s style was on the front burner during the electioneering period. His fashion is modern in a striking manner. Having an in-depth knowledge of the rules of fashion, he steps out dressed in traditional and English wear.
Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa)
At over 60, Al-Makura’s style is simple and uncomplicated. Like most of his contemporaries, he likes to wear babariga and does not hide his fascination with colours that ensure he stands out.
Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger)
A few years shy of clocking 50, the governor of Niger State is blessed with good looks which he accentuates with his choice of attire. He prefers to wear babariga at all times and is rarely seen adorning a different kind of attire. Notwithstanding, his choice of accessories complement his look at all times.
Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun)
Senator Ibikunle Amosun is one politician who created his own unique style right from his days in the National Assembly. He wears his cap in a peculiar manner and the fad has become popular in and around Ogun State. A lot of times, he steps out clad in local fabrics like adire, batik and Ankara. Occasionally, he also wears suits.
Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo)
In a class of his own, the Ondo State governor takes care to look good at all times. His love for simple but well-cut outfits made out of adire and ankara has become a feature too hard to ignore. The same goes for his preference for the Awolowo-styled caps which he has been wearing for over 10 years. Unlike some others in his ilk, he never wears agbada. He is always clad in buba and sokoto. Occasionally, he wears suits.
Rauf Aregbesola (Osun)
Aregbesola’s style is straightforward and does not vary that much. Definitely not a snappy dresser, he favours traditional garbs in light colours, especially white. The bespectacled state chief executive has an inimitable way of wearing his cap, even though his style is not as popular as Amosun’s.
Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo)
At over 60, Governor Ajimobi has a taste in clothes and accessories that cannot be faulted. The gap-toothed number one citizen of Oyo State prefers to wear clothes that fit his frame. As such, he loves to go about discharging his duties dressed in nice-looking traditional wear.
Simon Lalong (Plateau)
His style is not restricted. Sometimes he wears traditional outfits and at other times, he puts on suits. He favours dark colours and is not keen on showy wear.
Nyesom Wike (Rivers)
One of the best dressed governors in the South-South, his style varies. While he loves to put on English wear, there are times he embraces the Niger Delta regalia. He also loves linen.
Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto)
He was a former speaker of the House of Representatives. Like most of his counterparts from the northern part of Nigeria, his favourite mode of dressing is the babariga and a matching cap. Opting for light colours, his preferred hues are white, blue and grey.
Darius Ishaku (Taraba)
His heavily-embroidered agbada is a constant. The same goes for his red cap which is not to be toyed with. Fast becoming his signature look, his preference for traditional wear can’t be disregarded.
Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe)
Like most northern elites, the governor of Yobe State is at home with wearing babariga. In the last one year, he has stepped out wearing different designs and hues.
Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari (Zamfara)
His style is similar to what obtains in the rest of northern Nigeria where wearing babariga is the norm. Like most influential northerners, he invests in clothes made with choice fabrics.
Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia)
Not a pushover in the style department, Governor Ikpeazu, a clinical biochemist, rocks safari suits in exciting colours, with finesse. He rarely dons a cap,but when he does, it seals his look.His choice of pocket square is also worthy of note.
Bindo Jibrilla (Adamawa)
A business tycoon-turned-politician, this bespectacled 53-year-old governor is always smartly dressed. Not a stranger in the Nigerian political terrain, top on his style list are pastel-coloured babarigas and traditional caps. Occasionally, he dons well-tailored suits.
Udom Emmanuel (Akwa-Ibom)
His style is vibrant and provides for a breath of fresh air. He favours apparels that reflect his financial background hence his leaning for suits in solid hues. A banker of repute, he is also at home with the traditional South-South attire, especially when they come in choice fabrics.
Willie Obiano (Anambra)
At 60, Governor Obiano is trendy. A non-conformist, he has turned up at several official outings in mostly two-button suits in the last two years. Some of them are gray; most are dark navy blue, but each is tailored to his frame. His black-and-white monochrome bowler hats cannot be ignored.
Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi)
This 59-year-old accomplished lawyer boasts of a style that is uniquely his. Not one to go overboard with fashion, he is always clad in babariga and tagiriya (traditional Hausa cap).He loves them in cool colours, and they complement his rich skin tone.
Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa)
Call him the epitome of the Niger Delta style and you won’t be wrong. This is because the former lawmaker has a rare predilection for the South-South regalia that does justice to his frame. An experienced lawyer, he rarely steps out in formal attire.
Samuel Ortom (Benue)
The fifth executive governor of Benue State is a conservative dresser. The traditional A’nger cap, which is native to the Tiv ethnic group, is clearly one of his favourite fashion accessories. Although reserved, you can’t ignore his love for well-tailored shirts and blazers.
Kashim Shettima (Borno)
His style is typical of a northern Nigerian elite. However, this agric economist doesn’t joke with his exquisitely embroidered babariga.
Benedict Ayade (Cross River)
At 47, he is one of the youngest Nigerian governors. A trained environmental expert, he displays a deep knowledge of trends at all times and loves English wear. His free-spirited style is also a refreshing change.
Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta)
This accomplished medical doctor often receives compliments for his unique dress sense. Mostly garbed in tastefully sewn traditional attire, Okowa loves his red cap and rarely steps out without it.
David Umahi (Ebonyi)
His dress sense typifies the elegance of the traditional Ebonyi attire. Of a cheerful disposition, he favours safari suits with a twist. A civil engineer by training, this 52-year-old governor is a lover of bowler hats. He has them in different shapes and hues.
Adams Oshiomhole (Edo)
Previously known for his signature khaki uniforms, a carryover from his days as a labour activist, Gov. Oshiomhole currently sports stylish suits in alluring colours, especially the electric blue shade. He looks dapper in them and isn’t shy to show them off. Many attribute his new looks to his pretty wife, Iara.
Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti)
For Gov. Fayose, his style is all about comfort. He is a lover of trendy fashion pieces especially polo shirts and T-shirts. At all times, he keeps it smart. Youthful in more ways than one, he doesn’t suffer fools gladly in the fashion department.
Popularly called Gburugburu, the former lawmaker like his contemporaries in the East, stuns in traditional attires. Modest in his appearance, he loves the Igbo red cap and good shoes.
Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe)
A former Accountant General of the Federation, Gov. Dankwanbo, who clocked 54 recently, has a liking for the babariga and a matching traditional cap. He goes for colours that compliment his complexion and physique. Occasionally, he steps out in suits to the delight of many.
Rochas Okorocha (Imo)
You can’t separate Okorocha from his signature muffler, which comes in different shades.Blessed with the gift of gab, he patronises Nigerian designers even though he loves to make a statement in his appearance.Comfortable in his own skin, he pulls off any outfit with ease.
Mohammed Badaru (Jigawa)
His greying beard complements his looks. At 54, this accountant wears the traditional babaringa with flair. A recipient of National Honour of the Member of the Order of the Niger, he clearly knows what time it is in the fashion world.
Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna)
Blessed with a physique that ensures clothes sit well on him, this first-class quantity surveying graduate is a classic dresser. He loves tunics, kaftans, safaris, and occasionally, he spices up his look with a cap in red, black or white.
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