In fertile Ijowa, Nigeria, land is the only source of livelihood and those without it starve or are driven into slavery. Prince Adeyanju, the Aremo-Oba (crown prince) of Ijowaland, suffers a riding injury which threatens his ability to father an heir. The high priest, Fatunbi, explains that the only way to restore his manhood is a ritual involving a secret affair, and selects a beautiful young widow called Lalonpe. To keep his royal identity secret, Adeyanju is told to introduce himself to her as a trader called Morilewa. When war breaks out between Ijowaland and neighbouring Aketeland, Adeyanju accidentally leaves behind a priceless treasure, and only Lalonpe's young son Ojo knows the secret. Then Fatunbi is murdered in Adeyanju's presence, and a manhunt begins for the two-faced person called Morilewa...