BY OBADOFIN ADEMOLA
A sycophant is not merely a loyal supporter. A sycophant is one who tells a leader only what the leader wants to hear, praises every action without question, demonizes perceived opponents, and often seeks personal gain rather than the public good.
Every leader needs advisers who speaks truth; only weak leaders are surrounded exclusively by praise singers.
As the Yoruba rightly say, “The child who is constantly told he is the tallest in the village may never discover the mountain before him.”
This timeless lesson appears increasingly relevant to the political conversations surrounding the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO).
The Minister occupies one of the most strategic offices in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. At a time when the country grapples with border security, prison reforms, immigration challenges, passport administration and other internal security concerns, Nigerians naturally expect that his energy and intellect will remain fixed on these national responsibilities.
Yet, there is a growing public perception that discussions about Ondo State politics are beginning to overshadow conversations about the achievements of the Ministry of Interior.
Whether fair or unfair, perception has a way of becoming political reality.
Those who truly admire the Minister should ask themselves a difficult question: Are they helping him build a legacy or merely feeding his political ego?
Politics has become a daily pilgrimage for many. Abuja, some say, has become a destination for political visitors whose primary mission is to seek favour, gain relevance or report against perceived political opponents back home. Such an atmosphere, if allowed to flourish, risks distracting any public office holder from the enormous task before him.
As another proverb reminds us, “The man who listens only to praise soon becomes deaf to wisdom.”
One fact remains beyond dispute: Mr. Tunji-Ojo has not publicly declared his intention to contest the governorship of Ondo State. Nevertheless, some individuals who identify themselves as his supporters continue to wage political battles across newspapers, radio stations and social media, sometimes creating the impression that confrontation is the only language of politics.
Nothing destroys a promising political future faster than supporters who mistake insults for loyalty.
If the Minister truly harbours future political aspirations, then he should remember one enduring principle of politics: enemies can become allies, but bridges that have been burnt are difficult to rebuild.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa occupies a constitutional office bestowed by the people. Political differences are normal in every democracy, but they should never descend into a culture of relentless hostility. The politics of tomorrow will require today’s rivals to sit at the same table.
Humility has opened more political doors than arrogance ever will.
Beyond politics lies the greater Nigerian question.
Millions of citizens still struggle to obtain international passports with ease. Many residents of Ondo State and neighbouring communities travel long distances before accessing passport services. Expanding passport offices to underserved areas—including Akoko, if found feasible—would ease the burden on citizens and further strengthen service delivery.
Likewise, Nigeria’s porous borders require sustained attention. Correctional centres need continued reforms, decongestion and effective rehabilitation programmes that reduce repeat offending. Immigration services must become more efficient and responsive.
These are the assignments history will remember.
The Yoruba say, “The crown belongs to the head that carries the people’s burden.”
Public office should never become a platform for endless political calculations while pressing national duties await urgent attention.
Mr. Tunji-Ojo remains one of Nigeria’s younger political figures with significant potential. His achievements have earned him national visibility, but every generation of leaders eventually discovers that popularity alone is not enough.
Character, restraint, humility and results ultimately become the true currency of leadership.
Posterity is an impartial judge. It neither applauds propaganda nor rewards political noise. It remembers only those who used public office to solve public problems.
The Minister would therefore do well to concentrate on the weighty mandate entrusted to him by the Nigerian people, resist the temptation of political distractions, discourage the excesses of overzealous supporters and continue building relationships across political divides.
For in the end, the loudest applause of sycophants fades with time, but the quiet verdict of history endures forever.
