By David Igbodo Esq –
In the early hours of 7th December 2025, news broke across West Africa and beyond that a group of soldiers in Benin, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), appeared on state television declaring the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and dissolving the government.
According to the coup-makers, the president had been removed from office and all state institutions suspended, with Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri announced as the new head of the military committee.
But within hours, loyalist forces regrouped and the country’s military leadership asserted it had regained control, the presidency declared that Talon was safe, and the coup attempt was described as a mutiny has ultimately been foiled.
In the mist of the confusion, reports began to emerge of scenes in some quarters of Cotonou and beyond of motorcyclists and civilians reportedly took to the streets in seeming jubilation, cheering, honking horns, and celebrating what many believed to be the downfall of a leader.
This spontaneous outpouring of relief and triumph underscores a profound psychological and social phenomenon, which I will call “the paradox of human nature in the face of a leader’s fall”
Human nature is a complex and often contradictory phenomenon. One of its most puzzling traits is the tendency for some people to rejoice when a leader or successful individual experiences a fall. History, politics, family life, and everyday social interactions all reflect this uncomfortable truth: no matter how good, generous, or well-intentioned a leader may be, it is impossible to satisfy everyone. And in the cracks of that impossibility, resentment often grows.
The Burden of Leadership and the Inevitability of Criticism
Leadership naturally attracts scrutiny. The moment someone rises above the crowd, whether in politics, career, or social influence, they become a mirror reflecting the ambitions, insecurities, and frustrations of others. Even the most effective leader will be misunderstood by some and disliked by others. This is because leadership involves choices, and choices inevitably create winners and losers.
For every policy that benefits a group, there is another group that feels sidelined. For every decision that moves society forward, there are those who believe the leader should have taken a different path. As a result, criticism becomes part of a leader’s daily reality, and satisfaction becomes a luxury no leader can fully attain.
The Dark Edge of Human Nature: When Joy Meets Jealousy
At the centre of the human reaction to another’s success lies a psychological struggle. Many people admire rising stars from a distance, but discomfort begins when that success hits close to home. Friends, family members, colleagues, and people within one’s close circle often struggle the most with another’s advancement.
This struggle stems from comparison, the silent but powerful thief of joy. Seeing someone close succeed can trigger feelings of inadequacy, envy, or resentment. Instead of celebrating their progress, some quietly wish for their downfall. When a leader or successful person stumbles, these individuals interpret it as personal validation, even liberation.
It is not always because the person falling has done wrong. Sometimes, it is because their success amplified the fears, insecurities, or ambitions of those around them.
When Familiarity Breeds Contempt
Interestingly, the people who celebrate a leader’s fall are often not distant critics but those within their inner circle. Friends and family share space, history, and emotional proximity with the leader. This closeness sometimes becomes a breeding ground for entitlement or unrealistic expectations.
When these expectations are not met, whether in sharing opportunities, influence, or perceived loyalty, disappointment turns to bitterness. Bitterness, when left unchecked, becomes a silent enemy, plotting rather than supporting.
This is why betrayal often comes from those closest to us. They have the most access, the most expectations, and often, the deepest resentments.
Why Leaders Must Understand This Reality
For anyone in leadership, this truth is not meant to discourage but to guide. Understanding the paradox of human nature helps leaders:
Manage expectations more realistically, build emotional resilience, discern genuine allies from hidden detractors, avoid taking betrayal personally, and remain focused on service rather than approval.
A leader who expects universal admiration is preparing for heartbreak. But one who leads with awareness, purpose, and balance is better equipped to navigate human complexities.
Conclusion: Rising Above Human Imperfections
The reality is simple but profound: humans are imperfect. Envy exists. Misunderstanding is inevitable. Sometimes, the loudest celebration of a leader’s fall comes from the very people who should have been their strongest supporters.
But this truth does not diminish the value of leadership. Rather, it strengthens it. True leadership lies not in pleasing everyone but in staying committed to one’s mission despite the reactions, positive or negative of the crowd.
A leader must remember: the measure of greatness is not the number of those who cheer when you rise or rejoice when you fall, but the legacy you leave after leadership.
AIG (Barr) David Igbodo (RTD) is a practicing Lawyer and a Security Expert. He is currently the Chairman of Delta State Public Procurement Council.
