Ikemefuna, Dutiful Son and Admired Brother, Dies at 18

Ikemefuna, Dutiful Son and Admired Brother, Dies at 18

Ikemefuna, who was the son of the greatest wrestler in Unmuofia history, and an admired brother of Nwoye, died under tragic circumstances last week. Ikemefuna was killed under orders from the Oracle of the Hills and Caves, but even at 18 years old, Ikemefuna had lived a dynamic, and eventful life.

Three years ago, when Ikemefuna was merely a teenager, his life took a significant turn. Ikemefuna, along with several young virgin girls were unwillingly sent from Mbanio to Umoufia as compensation for his father’s murder of the wife of Ogbuefi Udo. While some may say that Ikemefuna was robbed of his childhood and from his family, others would argue that his arrival to Umoufia was the best change of his life. He was adopted into Okonkuo’s family, and was taken great care of by Okonkuo’s first wife. Despite being detached from his family at such a young age, Ikemefuna adapted well to his new environment and home. For three years, Ikemefuna lived with the warmth, love and guidance from the Okonkuo household, and began to foster healthy and close relationships with those around him. Ikemefuna always offered a helping hand for those around him, and emanated warmth, benevolence and energy wherever he went. Of the few that were blessed with truly knowing Ikemefuna, was his brother Nwoye. Ikemefuna was a role model and inspiration to his brother. His father Okonkuo describes the change that Ikemefuna brought to his brother. “From the day he arrived in our household, Ikemefuna kindled a new fire in Nwoye. Whether we were harvesting or planting yam, or cooking and eating locusts in my obi , you could always a glimmer of admiration and respect in Nwoye’s eyes when he saw his brother.”

Okonkuo’s first wife, and Ikemefuna’s caring mother, couldn’t help but describe Ikemefuna’s acts of compassion. “Ikemefuna was selfless and considerate in everything that he did. I remember when Obiageli broke her pot during her visit to Umoufia for the wrestling competition, and broke into tears. Ikemefuna dropped everything he was doing, and rushed first to the scene with the biggest pot he could find for Obiageli. I also remember when I was on my way home carrying some heavy logs for a fire, and Ikemefuna saw me struggling as he was on the farm helping Okonkuo plant yam seeds. He had been working all day under the blistering sun, and was both tired and thirsty, yet he rushed over and helped me carry the logs home, before returning to the fields help his father. Ikemefuna never asked for rewards, fame, or recognition for his favors, and always wore a bright smile on his face. These small acts of kindness and selflessness are what I admire, respect and will remember most of Ikemefuna.”

Last week however, his brave and loving spirit and soul was lost to the decision of the Oracle. Several Umoufian warriors and elders executed their orders from the Oracle. Ikemefuna was told he would be going home to his sister and mother after being split for three years. As the elders escorted him to the village outskirts, Ikemefuna was hacked to death with machetes, with his father Okonkuo delivering the final blow.

Ikemefuna suffered a painful and tragic death. He was an innocent boy who was unlucky and paid a great price for his father’s mistakes. Ikemefuna lived his life to the fullest. He was a loyal son, and respected brother, and Umoufia and the Okonkuo household will not be the same without such a compassionate and kind soul. Ikemefuna leaves a significant legacy and his story has become a distinguished tale in Umoufian history. During his unfortunately short but meaningful life, Ikemefuna changed the lives of many others, and inspired the lucky few that knew him during his final years. His moving story and blazing spirit will live on in the hearts of the people of Umoufia for years to come.