The play starts in Gbanya's bedroom in Senehun, with Sande drumming heard in the background. Gbanya’s wife, Yoko, is hesitant to accept his advances. Their moment is interrupted by loud knocking. Gbanya, the ruler of Mende, learns that Governor Rowe will visit the next day and fears it’s related to the boys he hired for a conflict. Feeling troubled, he confesses to Yoko that he feels unwell and is having ancestral dreams, realizing his death might be near. Yoko suggests making some sacrifices for honor before he dies. Gbanya plans to impress the Governor with gifts, but Yoko insists they must alert the warriors to any potential dangers.

Yoko reminds Gbanya of his promise to pass on the chiefdom to her after his death. However, Gbanya wants to change his mind, believing a man should defend their kingdom. Yoko feels betrayed, as she was encouraged to avoid having children during her initiation into the male Poro cult to prepare for becoming “king,” and now she feels abandoned near old age. Gbanya hopes to pass the chiefdom to Ndapi, but Yoko refuses to share her bed with him, as tradition requires the new ruler to inherit the previous ruler's wives. Yoko also points out that several women have successfully ruled their chiefdoms, including Take Yoya, Kema of Galu, and others. While Gbanya recognizes their abilities, he insists they are also skilled lovers, trying to pull her towards the bed to show how good she is.