Saworoide

Lapite, the elected King of Jogbo, has decided to enrich himself on his way to the throne. He eliminates all his opponents by sending hit men after them or by banishing them. His rival Adebomi is killed and Ayangalu, the official drummer, has to flee into exile. Lapite takes a new wife and starts exploiting the enormous reserve of forest wood on a massive scale. Protests by the villagers and farmers are ruthlessly suppressed. Desperate, the young people march to the palace and manage to lay their hands on the crown, that is not allowed to leave the palace by tradition. Desperate in turn, Lapite seeks military aid by employing the hit man Lagata. Lagata, a retired military officer, however kills Lapite and takes over the realm. Lagata has resolved to become a real king and rules the people with an iron hand. Yet during the ritual crowning, the hit man drops dead in front of the audience. The people have learned a bitter lesson. From now on no king may avoid the correct procedures before taking office.