Ugwu Lawrence Enenche {M.A, B.A (literature), PGDE, DL, DC} Critical Analysis of the Major Incidents in Let Me Die Alone by John Kolosa Kargbo Ugwu Lawrence Enenche (M.A English literature) 1) Yoko Plans Expansionist War Yoko wants to embark on expansionist war but some of her warlords feel otherwise; Ndapi and Lavalie especially, strategize on how to stop Yoko from embarking on war. Both men review Yoko’s greed for war which they consider vain and provocative. Yoko insists on embarking on the war. Ugwu Lawrence Enenche (M.A English literature) Importance of the Expansionist War The reign of Madam Yoko is airborne now and the desire to expand her chiefdom is her main agenda. She probably believes that the more territories she controls the more economic returns for her chiefdom. She is very interested in wealth creation. Unfortunately, some of her warlords believe the wars are senseless and needless. Note that this is how dissension and disloyalty begin. Ugwu Lawrence Enenche (M.A English literature) 2) Yoko Moves Palace from Senehun to Moyamba Senehun Chiefdom consists of a cluster of villages. The centre village is also called Senehun. Gbanya Rules from Senehun and after his death, Madam Yoko moves the palace to Moyamba Village and rules from there. Scores of women rejoice with her in the palace. They all like it here in Moyamba; the chiefdom has expanded even more. Ugwu Lawrence Enenche (M.A English literature) Importance of the Movement of Palace from Senehun to Moyamba Moving the palace to Moyamba is an early sign of prosperity under the reign of Mada Yoko. Moving the headquarters from Senehun to Moyamba is to open up the development space in another part of the chiefdom. A new environment breeds new ideas. Also, the humiliation and death of Gbanya will not hunt him as much in Moyamba as it will in Senehun. Ugwu Lawrence Enenche (M.A English literature) 3) Jilo Loses Three Months Old Pregnancy Jilo’s three months old pregnancy is also wasted because of the illicit act. Yoko assures Ndapi that she will make Lansana pay all the damages. Yoko is visibly angry more than ever before because a taboo has been committed in her chiefedom. Lansana betrayed his friendship with Ndapi. After that miscarriage, Jilo did not get pregnant again till the end of the play. Ugwu Lawrence Enenche (M.A English literature) Importance of Jilo’s Lose of Three Months Old Pregnancy Jilo’s aborted pregnancy also represents an aborted dream for Yoko who wants to erect structures of a new social and economic order. Probably this is why she is visibly angry. Interestingly, Lansana and Ndapi are friends but Lansana betrays his friendship by sleeping with his wife. This act of betrayal also foretells the monumental betrayal that awaits Yoko herself from the Governor she has given so much loyalty and laboured for faithfully. Ugwu Lawrence Enenche (M.A English literature) 4) Lamboi Takes Charge of the Chiefdom in Yoko’s Absence. In the palace, Yoko announces to her elders in council that the Governor has sent for her to crown two chiefs in Taiama Chiefdom. She hands over the her chiefdom to Lamboi to take charge in her absence. Lamboi is alone in the palace and fantasizes about his quest for power, control and dominion over his fellow men. On his walk towards the throne and seat of supreme power, blood has been spilled and there is no going back for him. Ugwu Lawrence Enenche (M.A English literature) The Importance of Lamboi Taking Charge of the Chiefdom in Yoko’s Absence. Handing over the chiefdom to Lamboi was Madam Yoko’s greatest mistake and flaw. Lamboi takes effective advantage of this opportunity to perfect his plan to turn the people against Chief Yoko. Lamboi’s reflection summarizes for us all his evil deeds towards ascending the throne of the chiefdom. He masterminds death of many people in the play, just to ascend the throne. Ugwu Lawrence Enenche (M.A English literature) 5) The Search for Jeneba’s Whereabouts Jilo comes to the palace, wailing and announces the disappearance of her daughter, Jeneba. Yoko orders an immediate search party for the missing girl to be found at all cost. Musa goes about spreading rumour that Yoko has used Jeneba as sacrifice; buried her alive in a big pot to fortify her power and acquire more power to gain the favour of the Governor. Ugwu Lawrence Enenche (M.A English literature) The Importance of the Search for Jeneba’s Whereabouts Chief Yoko’s response to the news of Jeneba’s disappearance is statemanly and pro-active. Rumour wears a conflicting garment of reality and the feeble-minded admires such easily and that is the strategic capital Lamboi and Musa are exploiting. The rumour mill is agog now with the news that Yoko has used Jeneba as sacrifice to his personal idols. Ugwu Lawrence Enenche (M.A English literature) 6) Governor Rowel Reduces Yoko’s Territorial Control The messenger of Governor brings a message to Queen Yoko at the Poro bush. It is the message to reduce the territorial control of the Queen and she is upset by it and sees it as a disgrace. On hearing this message, she sends Lavalie to get her Ndibala roots (herb). Yoko gives the herb to Musu to prepare as usual into a thick concoction for her. Ugwu Lawrence Enenche (M.A English literature) The Importance of the Governor’s Reduction of Yoko’s Territorial Control Yoko’s political empire is about to crumble. Reducing her territorial control by the Governor is humiliating, disgraceful and demeaning. It is an indirect way of dethroning Yoko from the apogee of her reign over Senehun Chiefdom. The Governor’s intention is very clear to her and would not want to go through the consequent humiliation arising from the Governor’s order. She does not want to be humiliated like her husband. About The Writer “Mr. Ugwu Lawrence Enenche is an organized professional lecturer/teacher with strong subject knowledge and practical experience, providing high quality lessons delivery to students and furthering the cause of education by implementing successful teaching practices learned over the years of working as a school teacher, university lecturer and facilitator with students of different backgrounds and cultures. He is a prolific writer and reputable researcher on African literature and folklore. A celebrated public figure with a distinguished, inefable, modest and pro-active personality. His poems, articles, research works, short stories and novels have won several awards. His recent novels are Just After Dawn, A Talking Dream, Gone With Love and Concrete Shadows.” • Contact: ennywall1234@gmail.com