Morning: The play is set in the small African village of Ilujinle, facing rapid change. It begins in the morning at the marketplace dominated by an immense odan tree. Sidi, the village belle, attracts the attention of Lakunle, the young schoolteacher, with whom she engages in a comical exchange about modernity and tradition. Baroka, the village chief, is introduced as another character attracted to Sidi.

The scene transitions to a school lesson and reveals Lakunle’s desire to marry Sidi but refusal to pay the bride price. The village girls play a dance called “the dance of the Lost Traveller,” mocking a photographer’s visit.

The Dance of the Lost Traveller: The girls reenact the arrival of a photographer, with Lakunle playing the lost traveller. The play is interrupted when Baroka appears, aware of the performance, and continues it. Lakunle is almost in trouble but is saved by Baroka, who orders a feast in his honor.

Noon: Sidi is near the market when Lakunle follows her, carrying firewood. Sadiku informs Sidi of Baroka’s desire to take her as a wife. Lakunle protests, but Sidi is intrigued by the idea of her fame spreading further. Sadiku tries to manipulate Sidi into accepting Baroka’s proposal by promising privileges, but Sidi sees through the lies.

The scene shifts to Baroka’s bedroom, revealing his plans to take a new wife. He lies to Sadiku about his manhood, pretending impotence. Sidi rejects Baroka’s proposal, citing his age and jealousy. Lakunle, frustrated, shares Baroka’s cunning story of preventing a railroad in the village.

Night: Sadiku arrives with a bundle, claiming to have made Baroka impotent. Sidi initially thinks Sadiku is mad but closes the window. Lakunle arrives, scorns the women, and expresses frustration. Sidi reveals her plan to toy with Baroka at his feast. Lakunle warns against it.

The scene shifts to Baroka’s bedroom again, where Sidi teases Baroka about taking a new wife. Baroka wins an arm-wrestling match and reveals a stamp featuring Sidi’s likeness, intending to put her face on the official village stamp.

Back in the village center, Lakunle paces in frustration. Sadiku hires mummers to perform, and Lakunle unwittingly pays for it. They dance the story of Baroka’s rise and fall. Sidi arrives, distraught, revealing that Baroka set a trap. Lakunle, initially despairing, offers to marry her, but Sidi decides to marry Baroka.

Conclusion: The play ends with Sadiku celebrating Baroka’s defeat through dance. Lakunle is left alone, rejected by Sidi, who chooses to marry Baroka. Sidi and Baroka’s marriage ceremony takes place, and the villagers join in the celebration. Lakunle is left to dance alone, contemplating his defeat.