Baroka is referred to as the "lion" throughout the play. Baroka is the Bale of Ilujinle who wishes to marry the village jewel, Sidi. However, Sidi views the Bale with contempt and makes fun of him for his old age. Sidi initially rejects Baroka's marriage proposal and claims that he is jealous of her recent fame. Cunningly, Baroka devises a plan to woo Sidi. He tells one of his wives, Sadiku, that he is impotent. Baroka knows that Sadiku will gossip and spread the false rumor throughout the village. Sure enough, Sadiku tells Sidi that Baroka is impotent. Sidi then accepts the Bale's invitation to dinner at his home so that she can mock him to his face. However, Baroka woos Sidi by showing her a machine that makes stamps and promising Sidi that her image will adorn each stamp leaving Ilujinle. Baroka then displays his wisdom by talking to Sidi and ends up taking her virginity. The next day, Sidi decides to marry Baroka and becomes one of his wives.