A story is told of an incident in Ibadan decades ago when colonialism held sway in Nigeria. It’s said an elated colonial master during a conversation with some locals excitedly exclaimed in English, in response to a report, “Good! Good! Good! Good! Good! Good! Good!” And then, “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! His overwhelmed listeners counted each as they broke forth and they put “good” as being pronounced seven times and yeah six times. Thus, the phrase “Gudugudu meje ati yaya mefa” was coined. It evolved as a banality reserved for commendable efforts. When an individual wrought something exceptionally laudable, they pat him on the back declaring, “O se gudu gudu meje ati yaya mefa.”
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So, anytime l see “Gudugudu” the above cliche springs to my mind. Meanwhile, people recently called my attention to a Facebook page run by some faceless elements whose mission they say is to continuously prop up the embattled Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland Sheikh Toliat Ayilara irrespective of moral correctness or justification, and pull down the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III. The said Facebook page styled “Gudugudu,” devotes its energy and (limited) talents to the denigration of the high-flying monarch. Libelous write-ups and articles capable of igniting public disturbance consistently form the contents of the page. It is pitiable. (Wonder why the law enforcement agents permit such unchecked).
But this write-up has nothing to do with their “Gudugudu,” this is rather to heap encomiums on the monarch, a co-chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Based on my own perspective, the Oba is doing a yeoman’s job. He has not sat on the exalted throne of Soun for two years but his accomplishments have surpassed many who had spent decades. In terms of achievements he has dwarfed many and he continues to declare he is yet to start, that he’s just revving up the engine of transformation of his domain. Since these are recent accomplishments l don’t think there is need for their re-enumeration. These marvelous deeds are the reaaons Oba Olaoye can proudly beat his chest that he has the majority queueing behind him, nothing less than 90% on his side. And it’s said he who has the people has God. His actions have awoken the giant in Ogbomoso, an overwhelming enthusiasm has enveloped the city, forlornness has been replaced by hope and faith. With an ambitious 25 year-development plan he ingenuously birthed, the hope of a GREATER OGBOMOSOLAND is stronger. He has connected with the grassroots. He is meticulous, calculative and hardworking. He is unapologetic of his actions and sayings. The bravery of his forebears are taking hold in him. He is being transformed into a warrior the Souns are truly are. Difficulty brings out the best in man, the cacophonous noise of the minority, the embittered camps are the tonic stiffening his resolve and fibre, redefining him, strengthening the toughness in him. A new giant is being born in the land of Ogbomoso!
For what he has been able to do in so short a time, and what he is poised to do, with no grant attached to his office, building trust, inspiring hope and provoking can-do spirit, he deserves to be patted with the platitude, “Gudugudu meje ati yaya mefa.” Affirmatively, he has earned that exclamation, “Good! Good! Good! Good! Good! Good! Good!” And then, “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! The seven GOODs and the six YEAHs!
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So, Kabiyesi, ride on without being bogged down by the treacherous actions of the detractors. There is no doubt about that anyway, your mental resilience we have seen is solid, unbreakable. But sincerely, anytime l see it in passing, the so-called Gudugudu Facebook page, l see it as their own admission and commendation of the great work by Oba Ghandi. Their own way of exclaiming “Gudugudu meje ati yaya mefa” in applause of him. It is hard to admit the good accomplishments of one’s enemy. So, one is wont to play with words projecting one’s thought in parable. I think that is what is transpiring. So, like me, anytime you behold the incongruous words weavings of the Gudugudu page weavers, perceive it as a praise of the Ogbomoso monarch in disguise.
Gudugudu meje ati yaya mefa and 100 gbosas to Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III! Forward thinking, forward looking, such is unbeatable. People like that who have embedded such attitude in their rhythm are invincible and are goal getter.
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