Leaders, Beware of the Perils of Sycophancy

“Sycophancy is not just the downfall of leaders; it is the demise of the state”.

Governorship is both a sacred trust and a burden of immense weight. It is a trust because it is bestowed upon individuals whose moral integrity is presumed to be beyond reproach. A true leader, in an ideal world, is not a ruler but a servant—a custodian of the people’s hopes, dreams, and welfare. However, in many pseudo-democratic systems where democracy devolves into mob rule, leadership often becomes a shadow of its noble ideal. The result? A governance tainted by sycophancy and personal aggrandizement.

The Duality of Leadership: Trust and Burden

In its purest form, leadership is service. A good leader does not hide behind the trappings of power, isolating themselves from the struggles and grievances of the people they have been privileged to lead. Instead, they live among the people, share in their hardships, and address their concerns with empathy and resolve.

But here lies the tragedy—leaders who succumb to the influence of sycophants often find themselves on a dangerous path. Sycophants are the architects of false comfort. They surround leaders with a facade of praise, shielding them from the harsh realities they must confront. Their lies and deceit pave a leader’s road to failure, often leaving them to realize the consequences too late for redemption.

Leadership is also an enormous burden. A leader’s life is scrutinized, dissected, and laid bare for public consumption. Their actions, and even their inactions, are subject to relentless interpretation and criticism. When they smile, some see arrogance. When they act generously, others accuse them of favoritism. If they exercise prudence, they are labeled miserly. In this role, a leader is blamed for every ill, from the economy’s downturn to natural disasters, from societal insecurity to even personal tragedies.

Such is the weight of leadership that anyone with a clear understanding of its demands should hesitate to pursue it—unless, of course, their motives are driven by greed and self-interest. Unfortunately, it is precisely this flawed pursuit of power—characterized by selfish ambition, lies, and even violence—that dominates the political arena today.

The Sycophant: The Silent Assassin

A leader surrounded by sycophants has already taken the first step toward failure. These individuals, often shameless and self-serving, act not as advisors but as enablers of delusion. They flatter and mislead, creating a bubble where the leader is insulated from truth and genuine feedback.

Sycophants thrive on their leader’s ignorance. They suppress dissent, vilify honest critics, and shield their leader from reality. They liken leaders to messianic figures—Moses, Jesus, or other larger-than-life icons—while portraying dissenting voices as threats to be avoided at all costs. In doing so, they alienate leaders from the people they are meant to serve, creating a chasm between governance and reality.

When leaders attempt to seek out public opinion—perhaps by reading newspapers or accessing alternative information—sycophants intervene, offering to “filter” the content for them. They claim to act out of respect but, in truth, are gatekeepers of deceit. They relay only what they believe will please the leader, omitting critical truths that could inspire meaningful change.

The Cost of Sycophancy

Sycophancy is not just the downfall of leaders; it is the demise of the state itself. When leaders are cut off from reality, they make decisions based on distorted perceptions. The consequences are systemic failure, public disillusionment, and national decay.

A leader who listens to sycophants is like a ship captain navigating treacherous waters with a broken compass. They are bound to crash, and when they do, it is not just their reputation that suffers—it is the entire nation.

A Prayer for Leadership

Leadership is not a privilege for self-enrichment but a responsibility to uplift the collective. It demands wisdom, courage, and a commitment to truth, no matter how unpalatable. Leaders must resist the allure of sycophancy and instead surround themselves with individuals who challenge them, hold them accountable, and keep them grounded.

As citizens, we must also recognize our role in fostering a culture of truth and accountability. Let us pray for our leaders and for ourselves:

“O God, guide us, guide those of our leaders who deserve guidance, and grant them the wisdom to reject deceit and embrace truth. Amen.”

Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
Ndukaku III of Ihiagwa

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