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In recent months, Tayo Mabeweje, the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has taken it upon himself to defend his boss despite growing concerns across the State about mismanagement, questionable academic credentials, financial recklessness and poor infrastructural developments. While loyalty is admirable, Mabeweje must remember that “ _a lie may comfort for a moment, but truth sustains for a lifetime_.” As someone playing a media role in this age, he must weigh the ethics of his craft above the pressure of proximity to power.
The State is blessed with educated minds, seasoned technocrats, Politicians and numerous eminent Stakeholders who understand governance. In such a space, attempting to mask glaring failures does not elevate Mabeweje’s reputation, it diminishes it. There are moments when silence becomes more honourable than misguided defence, for “even the smallest candle loses nothing by lighting the truth.” This is a reminder that professionalism sometimes requires restraint.
Mabeweje should cherish the dignity that his office demands. Media work is anchored on integrity, credibility, and moral clarity. No assignment is worth staining one’s lifelong reputation, especially when facts stand tall against attempted narratives. As the tenure of his boss, Prince Dapo Abiodun draws closer to its end, Mabeweje must consider the legacy he wishes to carry beyond this administration. “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow; the shadow is what we think, the tree is the real thing.”
Mabeweje must also pause to consider the future, especially the quiet reckoning that may come from his own Children. Tomorrow, they may read his baseless defences of Prince Dapo Abiodun and ask why he chose convenience over conscience. What answer will suffice when they ask about his motives? Children often become the most honest judges of our past choices.
This is a gentle call for reflection. Defending one’s Principal is not wrong but defending the indefensible is. Tayo Mabeweje must choose the path that honours his future, protects his name, and aligns with truth. Power is transient, but integrity remains. In the words of Socrates, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” May Mabeweje choose wisdom, and dignity.
-‘Sola Babkole, a political/ethical analyst, writes from Oru-Ijebu, Ogun State.
SB E-news.
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