The Giant's Staff / Ọ̀pá Òmìrán: The Legend of Oranyan / Àròsọ ti Ọ̀rányàn

King Oranyan was born to controversy as his own father said. As a child, he was bullied because of how big he was and because of the colour of his skin. (He may have had vitiligo or suffered from a similar sort of condition.) So he learnt how to use a great staff to defend himself and grew to become the mighty warrior who founded the Oyo Empire in the 13th century. But there's a much more mysterious reason behind why he decided to expand his kingdom and why he left his staff where it stands til this day.

This story recaps the life of one of West Africa's most famous kings, highlighting some of the chief moments that ensured his name would be remembered throughout the generations. Even 700 years later, thousands of people still visit Nigeria to gaze upon the legendary Staff of Oranyan.

With the text presented in both English and Yoruba, this book is sure to inspire young African men (and those of African descent) to learn more about their own heritage, language and culture.

Additional Credits

Translation Editor:

Gbemisola Oyeniyi

Hello there, I'm Gbemisola Oyeniyi, a highly motivated narrator extraordinaire. My voice is powerful, feminine, and capable of weaving tales that captivate audiences and leave them wanting more. Whether it's a gentle and soothing tone or a dramatic flourish, I have a versatile repertoire that adapts to the needs of any script. As a narrator, I'm not just here to read words on a page. I have a deep understanding of literature and a passion for character development, ensuring that every story I tell comes to life in a way that resonates with listeners.