Okonkwo is killing off the part of his family that he is the most proud of. He wishes not to become weak like his father, yet he cuts down the part of his family that is most like an ideal son.
Ezeudu warns Okonkwo not to participate in Ikemefuna's killing because Ikemefuna calls Okonkwo "father" and has been living with them for three years. Ezeudu fears that Okonkwo's involvement in the killing will bring him harm and cause his chi to turn against him.
Ikemefuna is the boy that is sent to live with Okonkwo. Eventually the boy becomes much like Okonkwo's own son, and Ikemefuna even calls Okonkwo father.
Okonkwo becomes a father to Ikemefuna, and Ikemefuna calls Okonkwo father. Ikemefuna is like the second man in the house, the closest to Okonkwo's personality, and helps to develop Nwoye's manhood. Okonkwo likes Ikemefuna, but does not show his feelings towards Ikemefuna because to do so would be unmanly.
He discourages Okonkwo from participating in Ikemefuna's execution. He specifically says, "bear no hand no hand in his death. That boy calls you father."
Ogbuefi Ezeudu warns Okonkwo not to take part in Ikemefuna's death, as Ikemefuna calls Okonkwo "father" and considers him a role model. Ezeudu advises Okonkwo to avoid involvement to prevent any harm to his own future. Despite the warning, Okonkwo ultimately participates in Ikemefuna's death under pressure from the village elders.
In "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, Ikemefuna, a boy from another village, was taken in by Okonkwo's family. Eventually, Ikemefuna was killed by the villagers as a sacrifice to avoid retribution for a murder that took place in their village. Okonkwo's participation in Ikemefuna's death deeply affects him and contributes to his own downfall.
He discourages Okonkwo from participating in Ikemefuna's execution. He specifically says, "bear no hand no hand in his death. That boy calls you father."
At first Ikemefuna is fearful, being away from his mother and father, but in time he adapts, becoming an older brother to Nwoye, and becoming Okonkwo's son. Ikemefuna even calls Okonkwo 'father'. He becomes the most manlike of the children in Okonkwo's eyes.
The book does not say this explicitly until Nwoye joins the Christians, when Okonkwo calls him an abomination. However, Okonkwo often wishes that Nwoye was stronger, saying that at his age, he should already have impregnated a wife and taken a farm. Okonkwo also wishes that Nwoye were as strong a wrestler as Obierika's child, Okafo.
Obierika proves himself to be a good friend to Okonkwo in this chapter by visiting him in exile, bringing him money from the sale of Okonkwo's yams, and offering him support and encouragement during his time of need. He shows loyalty and empathy towards Okonkwo, demonstrating the strength of their friendship.
Uchendu is the maternal uncle of Okonkwo. He advises Okonkwo to be grateful for the refuge offered to him by his motherland after he is exiled, reminding him that family and community support are crucial in times of struggle. Uchendu also emphasizes the importance of resilience and hope in facing life's challenges.
Uchendu calls Okonkwo a child to highlight his lack of understanding and immaturity in handling his emotions and decisions. Uchendu believes that Okonkwo is acting out of fear and stubbornness, rather than wisdom and rationality. By calling him a child, Uchendu emphasizes Okonkwo's need for growth and introspection.