Things Fall Apart

Why does Okonkwo and his tribe decide Ikemefuna must die? Is this barbaric and senseless, or are there underlying reasons?

Ikemefuna is his foster son.

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Last updated by Aslan
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The Oracle has decreed that Ikemefuna must be killed as part of the retribution for the woman killed three years prior in Mbaino. From a Western perspective, this makes little sense. Poor Ikemefuna has no hand in his own fate. This, however, is a different culture. The trade of children and women for crimes between tribes could broker peace. Is this a better alternative to war?