Our working theory is that Yoruba men get inspiration for their sweet-talking abilities from their daddies’ social circles.
These men have the most-hilarious nicknames for their friends, and the monikers add a certain spice to the bromance. Your Yoruba daddy definitely has a friend or two that goes by these names.
Ojii (pronounced or-ji)
This is the comedian of the group. He knows how to crack everyone up and is always the life of the party.
Isalu
Is your daddy even Yoruba enough if he doesn’t have an Isalu in his friend group? Isalu is the custodian of history in the circle.
The law
He needs no introduction. He’s the one friend that shows up late to every function because he’s too busy settling court cases. He’s also always available to give free legal counsel.
Oloye
This is the one friend that has a connection to the royal family but isn’t quite certain of his ascension to the throne. He wears his beads and bracelets to every function.
Doki
Usually the family doctor, Doki knows the medical history of everyone. He also gets special treatment at family functions because he’s often watching his weight or what he consumes.
Wadee (pronounced way-de)
He’s the street-smart guy in the group. He often makes comments like “This your child is not sharp”, but no one takes offence because he always comes through when there’s trouble.
Alagba
He’s the Christian spiritual father of the group. Only makes appearances at important functions like weddings, naming ceremonies and round-figure birthdays.
Yalufa
He’s the Muslim spiritual father of the group. He shows up at every function but never takes a drop of alcohol.
Alhaji
Alhaji is a businessman who doubles as a polygamist. He’s often the butt of jokes like “Ah, Alhaji, is that a bottle of stout I see in your front?” The other guys tease him because he’s been on Holy Pilgrimage but doesn’t adhere to the Islamic laws of avoiding alcohol.
Colonel
He’s the retired military official that doesn’t take nonsense; not from his friends, definitely not from their children.
