Let Me Die Alone By John K. Kargbo - WAEC, NECO, JAMB Literature

LET ME DIE ALONE BY JOHN K. KARGBO is one of the text and an African Drama in the WAEC/NECO/JAMB Literature in English  2021 - 2025 syllabus. 

"Let Me Die Alone'" is a historical drama that captures the life and times of a famous woman leader of the Mende people of Sierra Leone. Madam Yoko lived between 1849-1906. Her original name at birth was Soma and later changed it to Yoko during her initiation as a member of Sande secret cult.

 Her first two husbands were Gongoima and Gbenjei. She married Gbanya after the death of Gbenjei who was the chief of Taiama. Gbanya was detained in 1875 by the British colonial officials in Taiamawaro and Yoko went boldly to meet Rowe to seek the release of her husband. Rowe was impressed by Yoko's action, Gbanya was then flogged and released.

After this incident, Gbanya made Yoko the greatest of his wives, sending her on diplomatic missions. Her membership of Sande women secret cult where she held a leadership position also gave her power in Mende land as a whole. 

She became influential, initiating young girls and later marrying them off to the people of higher class in the society. Gbanya, her husband died in 1878, and she became the chief of Senehun.

 In 1884, she was officially recognised by both her people and the British officials as the "Queen of Senehun." She expanded the Mende kingdom with her influence and power. She died childless in 1906.