By Odolaye Aremu
“…Obokun wa n’ile, Salaake won n’be nigboro. Won o le t’ele ni wale. E j’eka toju awon Obokun o! E ma t’ori eyi ti mo wi, kie k’eyin si Salaake ita, temi n’be l’ara mi Oko Taye, Taye!” – Alhaji Chief Kollinton Ayinla.
“…the “Imperial-Mama” nestles at home, while the Floozies parade about in the street. In so far as the Floozy is safe out there and can’t be brought home, you mustn’t cede your love for the Imperial-Mama at home either! Most importantly, take my admonishment quite lightly, and use better judgment! Don’t entirely banish the Floozy altogether! For I am not all the way better than most of you- the husband of Taye, Taye!”
That’s Ayinla Kollington in 1983 in the album “Akosile” or “Destiny”. The above quoted lines in the album exemplify the treacherous, or “safe” or the ambiguous diplomacy of the Yoruba people. Wonderful people! As rich in heritage, as they are in culture and as judiciously celebrated. However one of the noted weakness of that nation is her need to usually be politically correct, tactfully-inclined or, to be seen as wonderfully nice, or to be caught at all time without a reproach.
The Yorubas must be seen to fully, but cautiously bait all sides without incurring the wrath of all including, the holding center. An incredible simulation of a long walk through a heavy downpour without ever getting wet. The knee-jerk reaction to issues are never, on most occasions Yoruba-like. For certain issues, such for sure could be sensible, but on emergency matters needing urgent, diligent opinion- I bet if the Yorubaman would, or could be of any significant help.
I still hear the voice of Gbekude, Baba Tiamiyu at the back of my mind now- this second, about 34 years after! The old man cleared his throat of the caustic phlegm seemingly impeding the free flow of his speech and general delivery. The “Kelebe” wasn’t even as thick as I thought it ought to be; for the disgusting piece of bodily waste disappeared as soon as it hit the sandy soil right behind his large compound! The deep guttural, cranial evacuation was nothing but pure drama! And that’s not even as sickening, or gut-wrenching, as the expectation of a worthy advice that eventual fell flat on arrival.
The elaborate show to help solve a simple problem was masked in a glowing face, a paternalistic devotion and a supposedly caring spirit. That show essentially overkill the lackluster advice with no definitive position! His overbearing mien endured till that moment he freely gave me the best advice money can never buy! He gently delivered a lasting mantra:
“Alatise l’on m’atise ara e!”
And that in a nutshell; is Yoruba for you!
