Igbo Beliefs

One of the prominent values of the Ibo was their respect for the community. The Ibo put the community before themselves and that helped in lessening conflicts in their society. The clan showed their value for the community when the leaders of the clan were captured. After the leaders of Umuofia had been captured, the everyone came together to discuss a course of action. Families in the community gave money for the ransom, even if they were not immediate family. The whole community stood unified and worked together in getting the leaders back. Without the leader's guidance, small disputes could cause great conflicts in a society, but the Ibo’s harmony helped get the leaders home faster. Since the leaders were released from captivity quickly,
Also the Ibo were unified in getting revenge for Ezeugo who had died in Mbaino. As soon as the news about Ezeugo’s death broke out, in the marketplace “There must have been about ten thousand men there, all talking in low voices… then [shouting] with anger and thirst for blood” (Achebe 11-12). The Ibo did not forget what had happened and took vengeance as a community. The unity within the community caused Mbaino to surrender, which eliminated the chances of war and conflicts within the
Family was there when it seemed like everyone else had turned their backs. When Okonkwo had been exiled from Umuofia, he went to his uncle, Uchendu, and “As soon as Uchendu saw him with his sad and weary company he guessed what had happened, and asked no questions” (Achebe 129). Uchendu understood his nephews problems without him having to ask questions and supported him regardless. Since Okonkwo saw that his uncle was willing to stand by his side, Okonkwo felt more at home and had an easier time adjusting. Had Okonkwo been alone he would have made rash decisions alone and been forced to grieve alone. With the unity that Uchendu had shown Okonkwo, he did not end up causing any conflicts and created a peaceful stay. Due to the unity between the family, Okonkwo seemed less isolated and removed chances of conflicts between the new clan and Okonkwo. Another moment in which familial unity played a crucial role was when Agbala had taken Enzima. Ekwefi ran after Agbala for quite a while until she stopped at a cave where Okonkwo eventually found her. Okonkwo stayed with Ekwefi at the entrance of the cave ensuring the safety of his daughter and Ekwefi. Okonkwo held great fondness for his family in his heart, which caused him to stand by Ekwefi unified for the sake of his daughter. As a result of the unity, Okonkwo felt reassured and did not go in after Agbala that could have conjured up