THE THEMES OF IMPOSITION AND RESISTANCE
Gbanya tries to impose Ndapi on the throne, Yoko resists and eventually gọt the nod of her husband because of the treachery of Lamboi and Musa. Lamboi and Musa also try to impose themselves on the throne of Senehun but Poro the people's oracle, resists. Governor Rowe imposes taxes on the people but they also resist the imposition.
THE THEMES OF BARGAIN FOR POWER AND DOMINANCE
Conflicts and struggles within that traditional society itself are laced with various elements of jockey and bargain for power and dominance. Yoko bargained for power from her husband and got it. She goes into expansionist wars to extend and expand her power base. When Rowe tries to reduce her territorial control and dominance, she feels insulted and humiliated and consequently commits suicide. Lambor her brother also bargained for power using intrigue, blackmail and murder but fails woefully.
THE THEME OF BETRAYAL
Gbanya trusts Musa his medicine man and Lamboi one of his trusted warriors and brother to his wife, Yoko. These two unfortunately betray this trust. It is in their hands he dies. Musa poisons Gbanya under the pretence that he is administering pain relief medicine to him. Similarly, Governor Rowe betrays Yoko's loyalty by devolving her powers to humiliate her; she commits suicide. Lansana also betrays Ndapi his best friend by seducing and sleeping with his wife, Jilo.