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Let Me Die Alone by John K. Kargbo
AFRICAN DRAMA
Let Me Die Alone
-John K. Kargbo
A Brief Biography of the playwright
John Kolosa Kargbo was born in Sierra Leone in 1954 and died in 1992. He attended the Prince of Wales’ Secondary School in Freetown together with Clifford Gaber, john Kargbo founded Songhai Theatre, known as Shegureh players, and Balangi Dramatic group founded in 1974. They produced other plays and English plays called Choice of the Gods. Apart from Let Me Die Alone, which was impressive, Otegu was a successful comedy about love infidelity.
It is probably Let Me Die Alone that assured Kargbo’s reputation; a meticulously researched and well-constructed script. His early death was a tremendous blow to the development of dramatic literature in his country.
Setting/Background of the play
Let Me Die Alone is a historical-based play that mirrors the life and times of a legendary woman in Sierra Leone known as Madam Yoko, who lived between 1847 to 1906. She was originally called Soma but changed her name to Yomo at her Sande Initiation Ceremony during which time she became known for her graceful dancing. She was a leader of Mende people in Sierra Leone-combination Advantageous lineage, shrewd marriage choices and the power accorded her from the secret Sande society. Yoko became a leader of considerable influence.
Plot Account
The play is an impressively powerful tragic play in which the playwright expertly adopt historical materials in the presentation of the life and times of the legendary Madam Yoko, a woman of courage and determination who becomes a chief in Mende tribe and subsequently rises to be one of the most powerful African women in the pre-colonial and colonial era. The play also shows the relationship between the colonial power and the traditional ruler, about political intrigue, rivalry, lust for power, about sacrifice, betrayal loyalty, but above all, it is about the tension that exists in a woman who wishes to be on a par with men and to prove that she can be a capable ruler and the same time wishes at times to fulfill her instincts for motherhood.
The play also explores Yoko’s attributes and determination to be in control – Gbanya, her husband promises to pass power over to her hands when he dies but changes his mind after the wars. Gbanya then is betrayed and poisoned by Lamboi, Yoko’s brother in the company of Musa, the seer and medicine man. The play is a reflection of the power that women wield during the pre-colonial era where we have so many women who are viable and ready to wear the shoes that could equally fit men, unlike in our contemporary dispensation when women have been relegated to the kitchen by men folks.
The play, therefore, opens in Gbanya’s bedroom, a chief in Senehun. A messenger comes in with the Governor’s message to announce the coming of the Governor. Gbanya then vows to welcome him warmly and would be entertained with all the nicety in the kingdom. Yoko on her part keeps reminding Gbanya of the promise he made towards her a long time ago which is passing the chiefdom into her hands. Meanwhile. Lamboi plots to kill Gbanya with poison. Musa feels quite not at ease with the plan initially until Lamboi threatens to implicate him by revealing his ugly past secret. Musa is left with no option but to key in for the evil plot.
Before long, Rowe, the Governor arrives shortly and he accuses Gbanya of sending war boys to fight John Caulker’s side against his brother and for participating in a revolt. Rowe then charges Gbanya to pay a fine of fifty pounds in the equivalent of the rice and cattle offered him. Musa and Lamboi take advantage of the Governor’s visit to unleash their plan to murder Gbanya. They carry out the plan when Yoko goes out to obtain water to wash off the blood from Gbanya’s wounds. Musa then administers the deadly alligator gall in the water and he slumps and dies. Before he dies, Gbanya swears that the Poro devil himself will avenge his death and he charges Yoko to be in charge of the chiefdom. Before long Lamboi conditions Musa to inform the people about the death of Gbanya
Also, Madam Yoko assumes the office as the new chief of Senehun, but Lamboi, Musa, and others refuse to make her reign remarkable and peaceful as they keep mounting unnecessary pressure on her. Firstly, Rowe, the Governor keeps intruding in the affair of the kingdom, in spite of the fact that Yoko is doing everything possible to please him. Even his messenger also benefits immensely from Yoko’s benevolent gesture. In addition, when Lamboi’s initial plot to assume the leadership position or role in Moyamba failed, both Musa and Lamboi conspire to have Ndapi’s daughter, Jeneba kidnapped and murdered. They will mislead the people by informing them that Yoko used her as a sacrifice for more powers. Yoko will be implicated and that will turn the people’s minds against her.
Finally, the truth is revealed when Yoko and Ndapi the chief warrior visit Poro to divine Gbeni Lamboi, and Musa is said to have conspired to kill Jeneba – removed her vital organs from her body and buried her in a shallow grave, but they are still at large. Yoko’s sea of troubles keeps multiplying day in day out. This last one occurs when the governor sends his messenger to inform Yoko of his intention to divide their boundary. Yoko who could no longer bear the burden of her existence decides to commit suicide. She feels used and dumped by the Governor, and her people to whom she so much loves and cherishes also betray her, and her reign is destabilized. “And now I will know peace. Now I will never be used again. I did not bring a child into this world. So let no one mourn my death” (82) “Yoko Slumps and gives up the ghost.
ACT BY ACT SUMMARY
Act one scene one
Madam Yoko reminds Gbanya of the promise to pass the chiefdom over to her
The play opens in Gbanya’s bedroom, in the room, there are various fighting paraphernalia such as spears, machetes, and raffia skirts hung on the walls. Gbanya enters pulling his wife Yoko along and she insists that she cannot leave her girls who are seen dancing. “Your girls need you, but your husband needs you now. Of what better use is a woman to a man” (2) Gbanya snaps at her. Suddenly, a knock is heard at the door, behold, a guard enters to announce to Gbanya that a messenger has just arrived and he says the Governor will be here tomorrow. Gbanya begins to panic because the Governor has never visited them. He, therefore, attributes the purpose of his coming to something that has to do with the boys he hired out to John Caulker to fight against his brother. Now he’s troubled because of the dream he had also in the previous night when the Governor came to humiliate him in the eyes of his people. Gbanya therefore vows to welcome him warmly, “I will present him with the greatest of gifts. He will see the most dazzling and gracious of Sande dancers Mende land can boast of, the richest wine and the biggest cattle. Let my murderer know my power before he Snuffs out my life” (3)
However, Yoko is sharp enough to remind Gbanya of the promise he made towards her a long time ago. “Remember you made a promise a long time ago that at the time of your death the chiefdom passes into my hands (s) Yoko bellows. Gbanya then downplays such vow because he feels that at the time of making that promise, he never knew that wars would be ravaging the land.“Look woman if Senehun is to survive, a man must lead her” (6) And Gbanya offered to compensate her with, in order not to give the land of his ancestors to a woman. Yoko also goes on to also remind him of another promise.“Remember you told me to bear no Children as the Poro might need me. And now, on the verge of old age: you leave me to remain alone in distress. What is the value of old age without children? Now I know all my sacrifices these past years have been in vain (7).
Also, when asked who he will hand over the chiefdom to, Gbanya prefers to give it to Ndapi, a strong warrior and Yoko vow never to share her bed with such a heartless man. Madam Yoko who still feels unconvinced about Gbanya’s choice of Ndapi intelligently points out some women who have been ruling chiefdoms successfully for many years. Such women include: Yaya, Kema of Galu, Fangawa of Wando, Kpanda Gbello of Leppiama, Woki of Tunkia, or Nancy Caulker in Sherbro land Gbanya then admits they are good leaders and wives. He then implores her to show him what he can do.
Act one scene two
Lamboi persuades Musa to kill Gbanya with poison.
Lamboi, Yoko’s brother, and Musa a seer and medicine man are seen on stage. Musa is vehemently refuting what Lamboi has asked him to do which is eliminating (killing) Gbanya for fear that he might pass the chiefdom to Yoko who is soft and only have music in her ears. “He loves that woman more than the very eyes on his head. I saw him kill a slave with his bare hands because the poor boy wandered into Yoko’s room when the woman was naked” (10) Lamboi reveals. In order to further get Musa to kill Gbanya, Lamboi ask Musa to swear if he had never killed before but Musa insists that he cannot do that since his hands are clean. Lamboi then goes further to divulge some of Musa’s Atrocious deeds, which include: the blood of Yattah’s son and Mama Kadi’s daughter. Those he slaughtered and used for “bofima” are known as a charm used with human parts. As soon as Lamboi threatens to lead Gbanya to the shallow graves of those he buried these people, Musa accepts to carry out the plot. All I want you to do is to kill the chief and help me to prevent the chiefdom from falling into the hands of a woman”(14) Lamboi reminds Musa of the mission.
Jeneba, Ndapi’s daughter enters to summon them for a meeting at the courtyard (barre). To further concealed their secret plans, Lamboi threatens Musa with a dagger never to disclose it to anyone. “And if you reveal this plot, I will plant this firmly into your chest and lead the people to those graves” (`5)
Act one Scene three (The Governor’s visit)
In the scene, there is drumming off stage and Gbanya instructs Ndapi, the chief warrior to tell the women to stop the music. He also tells Lavalie to tell his warrior to tell the women to stop the music. He also tells Lavalie to tell his wives to put on their best clothes and tell them to give a beautiful present to the Governor. “Let them take five fat cow out of the corral. They are presents for the governor” (10), he adds. First, there is a divided opinion about the chief’s presents for the Governor. Also, Yoko foresees doom in the Kingdom. Her instinct informs her that great ill-luck will befall the household and the chief should prepare for war on the Governor’s visit. Yoko also suggests that they should ambush the Governor because he’s carrying something evil with him.
Gbanya insists that soldiers will be sent from his country to wipe them out…
Rowe, the Governor arrives shortly and he accuses Gbanya of sending war boys to fight on John Caulker’s side against his brother and for participating in a revolt. Rowe then charges Gbanya to pay a fine of fifty pounds in the equivalent of rice and cattle. “And the next time you disobey my orders you will be arrested and locked up in jail in the colony” (20), Rowe warns sternly.
As soon as Rowe leaves, Lamboi asks Ndapi to block the door to prevent the villagers from seeing Gbanya whom the soldiers stretch out on the ground. “No one must come in and see the chief in this disgraceful state”
MUSA AND LAMBOI POISON CHIEF GBANYA
Musa and Lamboi carry out their evil plot when Yoko goes out to fetch water to wash the blood off Gbanya’s wounds. Musa takes advantage of the Governor’s visit to poison Gbanja “This, medicine in the water will kill the pain” (22) Musa puts the calabash containing the poison to Gbanya’s lips.
Lamboi then admits to Gbanya that he’s just tasted alligator gall. “We have to, your Highness. We cannot sit idly by and watch you pass the chiefdom to a woman” (22) Lamboi bellows. Before Gbanya slumps and before he dies, he swears that may the Poro devils himself avenge his death and he charges Yoko also to take charge of the chiefdom. Before long, Lamboi conditions Musa to inform the people about the death of Gbanya. “Warn them sternly that any attempts at subversion will meet with instant death” (24) Yoko then cuts in, thereby instructing Lamboi of her need to take charge of the Chiefdom.” … You heard him when he said I should take charge and I am going to do exactly that” (24 she, therefore, proclaims her readiness to become the chief who takes over from Gbanya. “Yoko is ready, for pain and pleasure, for honor and distress, for loyalty and treachery, for peace and war. Yoko is ready! (27).
Act Two Scene One
Lansana visits Jilo, his lover
Lansana who is one of the warriors is seen with Jilo, Ndapi's wife whom Lansana has been trying to woo. Jilo has made it clear to Lansana that Ndapi could kill him if he finds him in their compound. Jilo admonishes him to go to his wife because she is already married to Ndapi. No sooner had Lansana dragged her into the hut than Ndapi and Lavalie enter from opposite ends. Both Lavalie and Ndapi are carried away with an array of topics for discussion. Their conversations span from Yoko’s intention to go to war, the death, and Gbanya’s funeral. Lavalie opines that the color of chief Gbanya’s corpse is as black as charcoal. Ndapi also implores Lavalie to advise Yoko to forget about the war.” … but I d rather as a warrior fight to protect my people than engage in a battle to meet the greedy ends of Madam. (32) Ndapi snaps. Both of them leave immediately.
Meanwhile, Jilo is seen with Lansana coming out of the hut and she is adjusting her Lappa. They narrowly escaped being seen by Ndapi “Jilo, I’m prepared to risk my life, to drive my wife away (33) Ndapi expresses his love for Jilo and he urges Jilo to arrange for the next meeting place. Suddenly, Ndapi comes in as soon as Lansana leaves. Meanwhile, Nadpi has been looking for Jilo and she lies that she took Jeneba who has been ill to Musa. A guard also visits Ndapi and both of them discuss the happenings in Senehun.
Ndapi expresses his worry over Madam’s ambition to fight to please. He also accuses her of being greedy, insolent, and power-drunk-very ambitious,
He is of the opinion that when chief Gbanya was alive, he made them fight wars that were honorable, brave ventures, dragged others into slavery for the sake of Senehun’s survival. “Now a woman leads us into vain warfare, the provocative type (36). The Guard hints that Yoko should be in bed behind a virile man, not on the throne of Senehun. Before the Guard and Ndapi leave, Jilo informs them of Madam Yoko’s plans to move to Moyamba in the hot season. “Power is making this woman crazy. It’s making this woman drunk” (38) Ndapi wonders.
Madam Yoko is worried over the burden of the crown
Significant changes are evident ever since the death of Gbanya, and there is evidence to prove that Madam Yoko has moved her chiefdom from Senehun to Moyamba. In this scene, she is seated with her ladies-in-waiting in attendance.
Fanneh, the older girl of the two ladies is plaiting her hair while Musa tends to her toes. Yoko tries to obtain some information from her maid to know how they feel about their new environment. Fanneh posits that Moyamba is quite better than Senehun because the place is peaceful and the Governor is happy.
However, Yoko hints at her displeasure over the suspicious quietness in the land because she knows that evil men plot their nefarious deeds in the middle of the night. She also confesses that there is some time that she feels like having her own children. “Madam, you cannot say such a thing. The gods will be annoyed” (39) Fanneh rebukes her before she makes them understand the pressure she undergoes- the fear that someone will sneak into her room and kill her with a dagger. “I know that not everybody is pleased over the fact that I am a chief of the Mende tribe, especially my brother Lamboi. “I fear that man. He is cunning. Ngo Musa is another man I do not trust. He is like a chameleon. He changes easily. I think he killed my husband” (40) Yoko opines accusingly.
Importantly, she sends Musa to summon the elders for a meeting before a Guard
steps in to inform her about the Messenger’s arrival, sent by the Governor. She
immediately orders the attendants to take good care of him.
As Fanneh leaves, Ndapi is seen beating Jilo. He drags her in and throws her at
Yoko’s feet. Ndapi commands Jilo to tell Yoko whom he caught her flirting with
Ndapi squeezes her arm to fetch words out of her mouth. When all attempts
fail, Ndapi discloses what happened. “He has been having a secret affair with my
wife. The gods led me to the bush today. I found them embracing each other in the undergrowth on the road leading to the river” (45). Madam orders immediate capture of Lansana who is currently on his way to Taiama and will be back in three days’ time. “Take this woman and put her in stocks” (45) Yoko issues a command and she hints that Lansana will pay all the damages.
Scene Three
Lamboi and Musa conspire to kill Jeneba and indict Yoko
Lamboi and Musa are returning from the courtyard. Part of their conversation includes Jilo’s suspected adultery. “Lansana should never have done that Ndapi is his friend. What will his wife say when she hears this?” (47) Musa blames Ndapi.
He also raises the inexplicable closeness between Yoko and the Governor, and
how Musa is sighted leading Sande girl that Lamboi wants to marry to the
Messenger. They have given him a warmth recession which will make even the
Governor jealous himself.
In the same Vein, Lamboi draws Musa’s attention towards another plot to ruin Yoko’s reign, and it has to do with kidnapping and having Jeneba, Ndapi’s daughter killed. Then they will tell the warriors and the people that Yoko has sacrificed her to consolidate her position as chief. “We shall tell them that she buried the child alive. That will cause a lot of trouble . Then the people will force her to give up chiefdom and go into exile Musa inquisitively tries to ascertain where they will bury the body after killing Jeneba. Lamboi trivializes such a question and ridiculously asks him how he disposed of the bodies of Yattah and Mama Kadi’s children when he killed them and used their blood for bofima back in Senehun. Musa also expresses doubt as to whether the plan will work because the chiefdom is not what it used to be in the past, especially now they no longer go to war and hardly get slaves. Lamboi in particular is not happy about the way Yoko is treating the ordinary messenger as Governor’s younger brother- all because she wants him to sing her praises to the Governor “Not everybody in the chiefdom is happy about Yoko’s growing power.
Most of them would have been wondering what charms she rubs on her body or what herbs she usually drinks before talking to the white man. Those people so love and respect that woman that it hurts my manhood. We shall tell them that her strength lies in sacrificing little children, burying them alive” (50) Lamboi incites Musa on his part is a nursing mixed feelings because everyone loves that child, if she disappears now, there will be trouble. They depart to deliberate further on the plot.
The messenger showers praise on Yoko
This scene opens and Madam Yoko is seated with the court attendants. Lavalie and Ndapi enter with the Governor’s messenger. Ndapi prostrates and introduces the messenger who goes up, shakes, and kisses Madam Yoko’s hand. He’s been entertained with a bottle of imported jin. The messenger expresses his profound greeting and gratitude for this unprecedented reception accorded him since his arrival in the land. “My master, the Governor servant of Imperial Majesty the Queen of Great Britain, intimated that you are a shining example not only of African feminine pulchritude, but of one blend grace, magnanimity bravery audacity, tranquility, and majesty in your role as custodian of the greatest chiefdom here in the primitive heartland of the protectorate” (51) the messenger pours massive encomiums on Yoko.
Jilo unveil what drove her into the hands of Lansana
In the scene, Ndapi’s wife Jilo who has been in stocks for committing adultery is with Fanneh. She asks Fanneh if she could hake Jeneh to Madam Yoko. Asked why she had an extramarital affair, Jilo discloses to Fanneh that Ndapi drove her into the hands of another man, Lansana. She claims that Ndapi not only bullies maltreats and humiliates her but also calls her names. He is therefore very non-appreciative. Contrarily, Lansana gives her reassurance and admiration-makes her proud as a woman. Fanneh dismisses her claim, stating that the reasons given are not enough for any woman to cheat on her husband, and she also avers that she should have known that such a heinous act would break her marriage. Fanneh demands to know whether her people are strong to return Ndapi’s dowry and whether that good-for-nothing Lansana, himself would be able to pay the damages. Jilo asks Jeneba to wait, but Fanneh implores her to take her along. Suddenly Lamboi appears with fruit from the other end and he gives it to Jeneba and he administers some liquid from the bottle and robs Jeneba’s face hands and legs Jeneba gets up and starts following him without uttering a word.
YOKO ANNOUNCES THE PAYMENT OF TAX FOR HUTS
At the courtyard, the elder, Ndapi, Lavalie, Ngo Musa, and Lamboi are seated Yoko who is presiding in the meeting informs them that the Governor has sent her to crown two chiefs in Taiama, and on his return, they will discuss this business of paying tax for their huts. “We should discuss that now, Your Highness. I don’t see any reason we must pay taxes to the Governor for our huts standing on our own land” (56) Lavalie reacts vehemently. Yoko takes a firm stand that there is no going back on the issue of tax payment. “If the Governor says we pay, we pay I will be in charge of collecting payments for this area and I will turn over to the Governor any chief who prevent his people from paying” (56) Yoko then charges Lamboi to take charge of the chiefdom in her absence.
All of a sudden, two warriors enter with Lansana “So you have decided to leave your three wives and be with another man’s wife in the bush. Lansana? (56) Yoko asserts before she orders the guards to put him in stocks and starve him till she returns from Taiama. She also threatens to deal with him for bringing trouble to her household.
JILO RAISES ALARM OVER HER MISSING DAUGHTER, JENEBA
Another noise is heard and Jilo comes in wailing and she falls to the ground before she informs them that Jeneba has gone missing. “I left her this morning to see Mama Tanneh. On my return, she had disappeared from the house. I thought she was with Mama Nancy’s children playing, so I went to the river (57) Yoko immediately orders the search party to look for Jeneba. “That child must be found (57) Yoko leaves to carry out the Governor’s orders and she appoints Lamboi and Musa as second in command to stand in for her since she will be away for a few days. “Ndapi gets your wife to keep quiet. You tell the crier to summon the people to the meeting ground in the center of the village. We cannot waste time” (58) Lamboi dishes out instructions as if he’s innocent of the happenings.
ACT THREE SCENE ONE
Lamboi is at the courtyard trying to make a good assessment of being a leader who wields enormous power “I have dreamt of power, of governing this chiefdom of Moyamba. It has now come my way but just a few days. How beautiful it is to sit on this throne regarding you subjects, millions cringing over them wielding the power of life or death over all” (59) Lamboi then vows to take the throne fully because he’s tasted the power and he keeps wondering why Yoko has been guiding the throne jealously. Lavalie who also joins the people searching for the whereabouts of Jeneba complains of fruitless search and tiredness.
Musa indirectly lets out how far he has gone about the plan to have the people, especially the women informed that Yoko killed Jeneba and used her to protect herself. “You know how women like to gossip. I met a group of them searching for the girl in the bush this morning when I went to collect some herbs. I planted in their minds right there, soon it would blossom” .
What is left to convince the people and the warriors that Yoko used Jeneba for sacrifice is how to get Ndapi who is filled with so much grief for his missing daughter. Musa tells a lie before others that he has journeyed to the shrine yesterday to divine and Gbeni told him that Madam used her as a sacrifice. buried her alive in a big pot because she wants more power. She wants to win the favor of the Governor. Ndapi dismisses such an unfathomable claim and he believes that Yoko will never do such a thing. “If she wants human sacrifice, I know parents here in Moyamba who would gladly give up their children to her. My daughter must be found and I don’t care if I have to turn Moyamba over, tear it with my bare hands” (62).
The Women come too hard on Yoko, calling her a witch
As soon as Lamboi is done admonishing Ndapi not to allow grief becloud his sense of judgment concerning his missing daughter and who is responsible, a guard enters to inform Lamboi that the women are saying that madam used Jeneba as sacrifice and they are swearing to it. All of a sudden, Yoko also arrives. While addressing the people over the turn of events in the chiefdom, she is interrupted by the shout, as a bodyguard tries to contain homes off stage, who are showering invectives on Yoko, labeling her witch, murderer, and devil. She also wonders why is it that she cannot leave the chiefdom for three days under Lamboi’s care and return home to find peace. “Madam there is no peace in the minds of those that kill” (64) Lamboi cuts in rudely as if he’s innocent of what they are accusing Yoko of. When the queen cannot take their essences, she orders them out of barre, but instantly inquiries from the Guard if he’s found Jeneba.
All the people in Moyamba have turned against Madam Yoko
It seems that the whole conspiracy has taken a toll on Yoko’s life. Firstly, Ndapi prevents her from going inside the barre and also accuses her of being responsible for his daughter’s death. Lavalie divulges Gben’s claims to Yoko. “The Gbeni said they have sacrificed Jeneba “(60) Ndapi adds that” That is why the Governor has been showering you with gifts extending your power, look Madam, I want my daughter back. If I don’t get her, I will kill you with my bare hands” (66) he also attributes Yoko’s reason for killing Jeneba to her inability to know the pain of childbirth. “So you don’t know the worth of a child. You have never had children of your own. So you don’t know what motherly love is. You gave Jilo and the entire chiefdom the impression that you loved the child” (66).
Jeneba’s mutilated dead is found
Noise is heard offstage as soon as Yoko attempt to throw herself from a palm frond and kill herself. One of the Sande girls enters and she is hysterical. “We have found her. The child behind the Sande bush. We went to dig up some potatoes and we found her body” (67) the girl announces. Lavalie also adds that the breastbone is broken and the heart pulled out. Musa is not also left out as one of the conspirators who says her neck was cut with a knife. “I cannot bear to look on . I cannot bear to look. The girl is without her private part” (68)
Lamboi totes up. All Yoko’s attempt to exonerate herself from accusation proves abortive. She then vows to get to the bottom of this conspiracy. She does not mind losing her life because that is only the way her spirit will find peace in the land of her ancestors. She just cannot change the fact that she has been unjustly humiliated. She orders everyone out of the courtyard and sobs silently.
Yoko to visit Gbeni to assoil herself
Yoko is making plans to go to Poro to find out the killer Jeneba. Meanwhile, Fanneh hunts that the woman has gone to beg for forgiveness from the queen. The messenger pays an impromptu visit to the bare, but could not find the Queen. The people brief him concerning the conspiracy and the Queen’s decision to visit the Poro to prove her innocence and exonerate herself. Though the messenger claims that this message from the Governor is very urgent but it must be delivered to the Queen.
Ndapi discovers for himself the killer of his daughter, Jeneba
At the Poro bush, Ndapi is shocked to discover that both Lamboi and Ngo Musa actually killed Jeneba. Yoko asserts that they are running but nemesis must catch up with them. “Their noses will rot, leprosy will devour their fingers, and elephantiasis will cling to their legs. That is Gbeni’s revenge” (75). The Guard then enters to inform the Queen of the Messenger’s visit. Lavalie says he cannot enter the bush and he should wait, but Yoko insists that he is a Poro man, one of us. She, therefore, urges the messenger to read the letter to the ears of everyone present. The content of the letter states that the six villages to the north of Tabe River now belong to the people of the chiefdom of Bo. Yoko then calls Lavalie and whispers some words to him and Lavalie feels that it is ispossible.
Both Yoko and messenger are seen on stage. Yoko seems unhappy about the content of the letter she instructs the messenger to tell the Governor to thank him that in all her life she has never been disgraced in this manner. “Tell him the way he has been loyal to him all these years” (77) Yoko expresses her displeasure over the division of the boundary. While she is still talking a guard enters and hands over the loot wrapper as a leaf. She instructs Musa who is very inquisitive to prepare it in the usual way. She continues to pour her heart out “Tell the Governor that I have come to realize. I have been a fool. I have been used. Tell him it is a great insult to my integrity and honor as Queen (78)
Ndapi and Jilo beg Yoko for forgiveness
Just before Yoko is done speaking her mind, the Guard ushers in Ndapi and Jilo in and their mission is to plead for forgiveness-now that they have found the killer of their daughter ”… we wouldn’t sleep soundly again even if you don’t forgive us. You must forgive us Ngo Musa and Lamboi misled us “ (79) Ndapi pleads. Yoko improves them to say no more because her heart has known happiness, this heart has known power. It has also known humiliation and treachery. She dismisses them and asked them to mourn for the death of their daughter, Jeneba, and leave her to suffer in distress alone.
Shortly, as soon as others exit, Musa and Fanneh enter to find the Queen in a very depressing state. She just cannot understand what has become of the Queen. “I even served the mother of your late husband but I cannot understand, Madam” (81) Fanneh becomes more worried. Yoko admits that it is called the sickness of the mind. Her husband Gbanya suffered from it and now it is her turn, and that the only cure is peace which is only found in the eyes of a sacrificial lamb after the sharp knife of the totogbemui has done its ghastly work.
MADAM YOKO COMMITS SUICIDE
All along, Yoko has been overwhelmed with the happenings in Moyamba, and finds it necessary to seek eternal peace by having herself poisoned. She feels so humiliated that she considers herself unfit to rule as a chief. The only option is to end it all. To achieve this, she orders Musa to pour the medicine on the group and put the remaining one in a calabash. She makes a heartbreaking speech before she poisons herself. “And now my journey is ended. Let me begin another cycle. The cycle of peace” (82) Fanneh bellows that if Yoko is to take the medicine she would drink it first, but insists that she does not want two graves to be prepared. “I have savored the fruits of power alone I have known and enjoyed the grandeur of high office alone. If I’m to die, then let me die alone… and now I will know peace. Now I will never be used again. Gbanya, make way, Yoko is coming in search of peace” (83) Madam Yoko drinks the poison and slumps to the ground. She lets out the last word and gives up the ghost, “I … did not bring a child into this world. So let no one mourn my death Tell the entire Chiefdom, non should mourn my death” (83). The play ends tragically.
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