What is the prospect of killing Ikemefuna? Is this killing shows a conflict between morality and religion?

Death of Ikemefuna

Ikemefuna portrayed as a toy from Mbaino who was given as a sacrifice gift to Umuofia because a man from Mbaino killed a woman from Umuofia. This boy is only fifteen year old who maybe even do not know what sacrifice is. Okonkwo a high status person of his clan who took the responsibility to take care of Ikemefuna until higher authority comes up with a decision about the kid. This kid essentially becomes Okonkwo's surrogate son. Ikemefuna is portrayed as a happy, enthusiastic young boy, who grows extremely close to Okonkwo and his family. Nwoye, son of Okonkwo developed a close bond with Ikemefuna and act like brothers, even Okonkwo prefers Ikemefuna over his son Nwoye.

Things Fall Apart

Through The killing of Ikemefuna for the first time The Igbo peoples philosophy of life and custom is held to question. The Oracle stands in supreme respect in Igbo society and it works as glue that combines the whole society together. So, abiding by the order of the Oracle it has got both spiritual and social dimension, and Igbo cannot disobey the order of the Oracle because it would cut at the base of the unity of the society but at the same time the Oracle must be equipped with proper and acceptable solution to any emerging philosophical, moral and social question. As the idea of morality is not a constant idea so it must be able to incorporate into itself the changing circumstances of men's social economic life, because morality or moral code of conduct is a given society has to work out.

Morality itself incommensurate with existing economic ethos of society. morality cannot sidetracked the issue of social demand. On one hand people living in the society need institutional security but on the other hand Institutions must not hinder individual freedom and conscience. so making a proper balance between individual demand and institutional demand is a prayer request for the smooth constitution.

Law have three dimension

------formal

------political

------moral

The death of ikemefuna death is a moral dilema.