The Danger of Blind Followership: A Cautionary Reflection

In much of the Western world, when a public figure misbehaves, fans are quick to distance themselves, critique, and hold that individual accountable. The public takes a stand for truth, and there’s a healthy separation between admiration for talent and tolerance for bad behavior. In contrast, I’ve observed that in many African contexts, the dynamics can be quite different. Often, when someone rises to fame—whether through bold activism, religious charisma, or political prowess—many fans become fiercely loyal, to the point of excusing, ignoring, or even defending the person’s mistakes.

 

Let’s break this down a bit more.

 

A celebrity or figure may start out with noble intentions: a political leader boldly speaking out against corruption, a pastor performing miracles, or an actor delivering powerful performances. However, once we declare our loyalty, we often refuse to hold them accountable when they go astray. It’s as if their flaws or misdeeds become invisible to us. Suddenly, they can do no wrong, and those who dare to criticize them are seen as enemies. Instead of being fans, we unwittingly become accomplices, creating a dangerous cycle where individuals feel untouchable. In essence, we help create monsters—and later, we’re the ones who suffer from their unchecked power.

 

Consider some recent examples. Take Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa: individuals who began with valid grievances but, over time, grew more radical. Many of their followers, instead of offering constructive criticism when they veered off course, blindly supported them. For instance, Simon Ekpa’s calls for enforced sit-at-home orders every Monday in southeastern Nigeria severely crippled the region’s economy. But rather than challenge this destructive path, many of his supporters cheered him on. Now, the consequences are clear—economic hardship and insecurity have skyrocketed in the southeast.

 

Then there’s the case of Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric who cautioned the Nigerian government not to attack bandits, advocating instead for negotiation due to regional and religious affiliations. Despite the obvious threat these bandits posed, many in the north sided with Gumi. And today, we’re all too familiar with the devastating consequences of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria, largely emboldened by this failure to confront the problem head-on.

 

Another example is Evangelist Ebuka Obi, a beloved spiritual leader known for his charisma and supposed miracles. Despite occasionally making inappropriate comments or using suggestive language, his followers excuse his behavior, shouting “We love him!” rather than addressing the issue. What happens when this unchecked behavior escalates? Are we simply waiting for things to spiral out of control?

The Dangers of Idolizing Leaders and Celebrities

 

When we elevate public figures to god-like status, we risk creating dictators, not only in politics but in every sphere of influence. This idolization leads to a disturbing trend: rather than holding them accountable, we defend their every action. Whether it’s a politician, religious leader, or media celebrity, they start to believe they are above reproach. And once that power gets to their heads, the line between leadership and tyranny begins to blur.

 

We’ve seen this happen repeatedly in various parts of the world, but particularly in Africa, where tribal, regional, or religious loyalty often clouds judgment. People rally behind leaders—“my thief is better than yours”—not because of their merits, but because of shared identity. This blind allegiance only serves to embolden these figures, allowing them to commit greater wrongs, with little fear of repercussion.

A Lesson from the West: Accountability is Key

 

In contrast, we see a different approach in many Western countries. Take, for instance, the cases of R. Kelly and Sean “Diddy” Combs. When serious allegations arose against these figures, their fan base did not stand idly by, defending their crimes. Fans and the general public distanced themselves, allowing legal processes to unfold. The message was clear: admiration for someone’s work does not mean excusing their misdeeds. This kind of accountability is crucial in preventing the rise of unchecked power.

 

So, the question is, why do we continue to defend our leaders, pastors, or celebrities when they blatantly misbehave, just because they share our tribe, religion, or beliefs? It’s one thing to be loyal; it’s another to be a blind follower. We must learn to draw a line between supporting a person’s good qualities or achievements and enabling their destructive actions.

 

Take Verydarkman, a rising activist who has garnered significant support. His intentions may be noble, and much of his work is commendable. However, there have been instances where he strays from his noble path, and instead of challenging him, his followers cheer him on. If he continues down this road—acting irresponsibly or making questionable demands—don’t his followers have a responsibility to speak up? Supporting a cause is one thing, but blindly following without applying critical thought risks allowing that person to morph into something harmful.

 

As fans, followers, and citizens, it’s essential that we engage critically with the people we admire. Blind followership only serves to create monsters, and once these monsters take hold, it is the society at large that suffers.

Becoming a fan should never mean abandoning your moral compass. Whether it’s a musician, activist, pastor, or politician, we must be willing to stand for what is right, even when it means challenging those we admire. Power unchecked leads to tyranny, and tyranny leads to the destabilization of societies.

 

The bottom line? Don’t follow sheepishly. Use your brain. Remember, accountability is a form of loyalty. When you hold someone to a higher standard, you help them become a better version of themselves—and you help protect the society they influence. @followers @highlight #mention #ACIOTruth #Codewit