Lagos, Nigeria July 19, 2025
Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa has once again set social media abuzz after offering a blunt take on the recent scandal involving US tech CEO Andy Byron. The scandal, which emerged after Byron was caught on camera during a Coldplay concert in what appeared to be a romantic moment with a colleague, has prompted widespread conversations about accountability, workplace ethics, and public perception. Makinwa’s culturally rooted response has now added a distinctly Nigerian flavor to the global discourse.
The Scandal: A Moment That Went Viral
The controversy erupted after footage of Andy Byron, CEO of US-based data firm Astronomer, went viral. Captured by the concert’s kiss cam, Byron was seen in a close embrace with the company’s Chief People Officer, sparking rumors of infidelity. Both individuals are reportedly married, escalating the matter beyond mere workplace gossip.
Astronomer quickly confirmed Byron’s suspension pending an internal investigation, appointing Co-founder Pete DeJoy as interim CEO. In its official statement, the company reaffirmed its commitment to leadership accountability, stating, “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.”
The BBC reported on the unfolding scandal early Saturday, noting the swift response by the company in the wake of online outrage and growing scrutiny from corporate stakeholders.
Toke Makinwa’s Provocative Perspective
Weighing in from Nigeria, Toke Makinwa, never one to avoid controversy, shared her thoughts via Instagram.
“Everybody is a thief, na the person them catch be Ole.”
Translated, it means: “Everyone is guilty, but only the one caught is labeled a thief.” Makinwa accompanied the post with laughing emojis and images from the Coldplay incident, hinting at the universal nature of human flaws and society’s selective punishment.
Given her past experience with infidelity—publicly addressing her ex-husband Maje Ayida’s affair during her YouTube series Toke Moments—her commentary resonates on a deeper, more personal level. Her take suggests society is more concerned with public exposure than with the morality of the act itself.
Divided Opinions on Social Media
Makinwa’s post has split opinions online. Some hailed her for speaking uncomfortable truths about society’s hypocrisy.
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@Rightsofalex commented: “Bars, not gossip. Toke just said what everyone is thinking in a clout-driven world.”
Others criticized her for appearing to excuse immoral behavior.
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@BasitOkiji retorted: “Irresponsible commentary. Wrong is wrong, whether you’re caught or not.”
A few found humor in her boldness.
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@DuranMiles45162 quipped: “So Toke is telling us something about herself too?”
The Yoruba word “Ole” (thief) quickly trended, with users exploring its deeper cultural meaning. Beyond theft, “Ole” also implies deceit, laziness, or wrongdoing, giving Makinwa’s proverb greater nuance. Studies, such as a 2021 Journal of Social Psychology report, suggest up to 70% of people admit to minor ethical breaches when guaranteed anonymity, reinforcing Makinwa’s point about widespread, albeit hidden, misconduct.
What This Says About Society and Leadership
This incident and the surrounding discourse raise critical questions about leadership ethics, personal conduct, and the weight of public scrutiny in the digital age. While Astronomer continues its investigation, the Byron scandal exemplifies how private moments can have massive professional consequences in today’s hyper-connected world.
Makinwa’s commentary has further expanded the conversation, blending Nigerian cultural perspectives with global debates about morality, accountability, and hypocrisy.
Conclusion: More Than a Kiss
As Astronomer navigates the fallout, Toke Makinwa’s remarks have ensured that this isn’t just a conversation about a Coldplay concert mishap, but a broader reflection on human nature, societal expectations, and the power of public exposure. Whether seen as bold truth-telling or irresponsible commentary, her words have reignited debates far beyond the original scandal.
