The Origin of a Timeless Phrase
In the heart of Ibadan, a city steeped in rich cultural heritage, a fascinating story unfolds. A group of Ibadan chiefs, known for their wisdom and wit, once engaged in a meeting with the notoriously difficult British district officer, Mr. Hezekiah Shunklebottom, during the colonial era.
Little did they know that this encounter would give birth to a phrase that would become an integral part of Yoruba culture.
As the meeting progressed, the district officer, pleased with the chiefs’ report and presentation, enthusiastically nodded and exclaimed, “Good good good good good good good yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah!” One of the observant chiefs took note of the exact number of “goods” (seven) and “yeahs” (six).
Upon their return to Ibadan, they regaled the people with tales of the meeting, jokingly describing the district officer’s effusive response as “Oyinbo se gudu gudu meje ati Yaya mefa” – “the white man says good seven times and yeah six times.”
This humorous phrase has since become a beloved expression in Yoruba culture, often used to describe situations where someone is lavishing excessive praise or approval.
It has become a lighthearted way to poke fun at the quirks of the colonial era and the eccentricities of the British district officers.
Gudu Gudu Meje Yaya Mefa has transcended generations, remaining a timeless testament to the creativity and wit of the Ibadan chiefs.
It continues to bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts, reminding us of the power of humor and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
GistMeg Suggests: Let us cherish and celebrate our cultural expressions, for they are the threads that weave our history and identity together. Share the story of Gudu Gudu Meje Yaya Mefa with others, and let us keep our cultural heritage alive!
