The 334-page novel, divided into 20 chapters, was launched on Saturday at Roving Heights Bookstore in Lagos and has already sparked conversations about cultural identity, prejudice and evolving social norms.
A Story of Love Confronting a Deep-Rooted Tradition
At the heart of The Steel Gavel are Jideofor Williams and Fiyinfunoluwa Taylor, two lovers who find themselves battling a system that Ogunniyi describes as a “culture famous for stamping its cold verdict on human lives with the force of a steel gavel.”
The novel traces their struggle to build a future together despite the rigid boundaries imposed by the Osu caste system—an age-long practice that categorises some individuals as “slaves of the gods,” restricting their participation in community life and, most significantly, their right to marry freely.
While the practice was officially abolished by the Eastern Nigeria legislature in 1956, Ogunniyi stressed that its influence remains visible today, especially in marriage discussions.
“It’s baffling,” she said. “You would think that now that everybody is educated and forward-thinking, it’s gone. It’s not gone; it is still very much alive, as near as today.”
Confronting a System That Refuses to Fade
Ogunniyi noted that despite decades of legal and social reforms, many families still resist marriages involving individuals labelled Osu.
“Yes, you can walk with them, you can be friends with them, you can be business partners, but when it’s time to get married, it’s not going to happen,” she explained.
“Because when you get married to an Osu, not only do you become an Osu, but your entire lineage becomes Osu. So people generally push back.”
She referenced the remarks of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who condemned the practice as “evil and wicked,” underscoring that stigma rooted in ancient beliefs still exerts real influence over modern lives.
L-R: Engineer & Mrs Abiodun Oshodi (MD ILF Engineers Nigeria) , Mrs Adaora Ogunniyi (Author of The Steel Gavel), Mr. & Mrs Adegbite Falade (Managing Director/CEO Aradel Holdings PLC), Mr. Anthony Sawyer MD Breeeze Energy.
A Writer Inspired by Culture and Human Resilience
Ogunniyi said her work is driven by a desire to explore African cultural narratives while showing the universality of human experiences.
“My writing is driven by the need to showcase how uniquely the same we all are,” she said.
“I try to present narratives we know and offer an alternative pathway to how life could be.”
She explained that she intentionally ends her stories on hopeful notes, believing fiction should offer comfort without ignoring reality.
“My stories always end happily because there is a lot of sadness in the world,” she said.
“After showcasing the troubles of life, I want readers to find an elixir—some hope.”
A Four-Year Journey and a Growing Literary Portfolio
Ogunniyi revealed that The Steel Gavel took her four years to complete, and hinted that more novels are currently in development.
The book launch drew a vibrant audience of literary enthusiasts, fellow authors, family and friends from Nigeria, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Her earlier works include her 2018 debut novel, which explores the struggles of a young African girl facing gender-based inequality in education. She has since published short and flash fiction such as Six-Feet and The Mist (both in August 2023), Missing Pipes, Nuts and Screws (May 2024), and My Name Is Adaiba (June 2024).