The stage direction shows Sande drumming offstage as Gbanya arrives with his group, which includes Mamo Yoko, Jeneba, Lavalie, Ndapi, Lambol, and Musa. Gbanya wants to give gifts to the Governor to make him happy. Lambol questions why they should give such expensive gifts. Musa reminds Gbanya that he has not been visiting the Poro bush lately. Gbanya says the Poro bush is where he gets his strength and promises Musa he will go there right after the Governor leaves. There is foreshadowing or premonition in the words that Mama Yoko says to Gbanya: “...something tells me that a great ill will befall this household today. You should have prepared for war on the Governor's visit”. Gbanya replies: "That's why I maintain that you are just a woman. Can our chakabulas and spears, or machetes and slings withstand the guns of the Governor and his soldiers?”

The guard announces the arrival of the Governor, who is dressed in white with a feathered helmet and carried on a hammock. This scene reflects the image of a colonial leader at that time. Gbanya welcomes Governor Rowe to Senehun, calling him "my Master." However, Governor Rowe rejects this display of respect, telling Gbanya, "Don't put those filthy paws on me, you savage!' He then asks why Gbanya brought his soldiers to support John Caulker against his own people. Gbanya lies about it, and Governor Rowe tells him to be quiet. He says, "When people like us Ieave our civilized society to come and bring both light and the word to you here in the bush, we expect you to conform”

Gbanya is whipped by Governor Rowe's soldiers, who mockingly call him a dog. The Governor demands a fine of fifty pounds in the form of cattle and rice. After Governor Rowe leaves, Lamboi orders Lavalie and Ndapi to block the doors, preventing anyone from coming in to see Gbanya in his humiliated state. However, his true intention is to have an opportunity to murder the disgraced chief. He sends Mama Yoko to fetch some water, hoping to get her out of the way. When Mama Yoko returns with the water, Musa instructs her to get warm water to treat Gbanya's wounds. This leaves Lamboi and Musa alone with Gbanya. Musa poisons Gbanya's water, giving it to him as a supposed pain reliever. Gbanya asks about Mama Yoko and insists that he must see her. Musa urges him to drink the 'medication,' and Gbanya complies. Soon, he clutches his stomach, realizing he has been poisoned. With his dying breath, he declares Mama Yoko the next chief of Mende Land.

Lamboi wants to become Chief right after Gbanya's death, but Mama Yoko opposes him. She shows up with a machete and claims the Chiefdom, saying it was Gbanya’s wish. She also asks how her husband died, but Lamboi and Musa say they don’t know. Ndapi becomes Mama Yoko's personal guard, just as he was for Gbanya. Lamboi tells Mama Yoko that she can only be Chief if she joins the Poro cult. She agrees, even though it means she won't be able to have children. With that settled, Mama Yoko mourns Gbanya and asks his spirit to guide her through the challenges ahead.