Is it better to be leader or a martyr?

Heres an interesting thought experiment/discussion. Of the two which do you think is better? A leader seems to be restricted to the demands of the people, he is like your mother. Constantly giving you false promises, that you can be anything/do anything. He is not allowed to say anything of controversy, but only repeat the issues of the people like a parrot. A martyr seems to be the only person in a position in which he is able to address the issue in an honest fashion where he is not restricted to the demands of the people. Unlike a leader, he has no actual power therefore no obligation to the people. His only desire would be to seek and obtain truth. A leader requires the support of the people, thus the people have the power to appoint and demote when convenient. For a martyr the people and rulership have little power over him, thus they get upset. Though there is little they can do while they are upset. Now in your opinion, which one is better?