An example is when Okonkwo questions Obierika¡s decision not to come along to aid in Ikemefuna¡s death. He is willing to admit that he did not want to come. Okonkwo is a leader and takes quick action, while Obierika is a follower and waits for another to make the first move or decision. One of the biggest difference between Okonkwo and Obierika is that Okonkwo is always insecure, afraid of himself, and afraid of what other people will think of him and Obierika is self-assured, able to accept who he is, and confident that people will accept him for who he is. The other important difference between the two is that Okonkwo is unable or unwilling to accept the presence of the Christians or the British, while Obierika is able to accept the fact that they are here, even if he does not want them to be there. .

             Though Okonkwo and Obierika appear to be very different they share qualities and characteristics that make it possible for them to co exist without too much conflict. To begin with both Okonkwo and Obierika follow the same religion. Neither of them wishes to displease the various gods of their religion .

             ¡§¡ You sound as if you question the authority and the decision of the Oracle, who said he should die.¡ 'I do not.¡¡ nor do they wish to convert to the 'new¡ Christian religion. Okonkwo and Obierika share the desire to gain status in their tribe by earning titles and following their value systems. Okonkwo followed the will of the oracle in the decree of Ikemefuna¡s death, as would Obierika if it had been his son. The only difference is that Obierika would not have joined in the slaying. ¡§But if the Oracle said that my son should be killed I would neither dispute it nor be the one to do it.¡ They, like the rest of the Ibo people have more than one wife and value male offspring higher than female. Both of the men are respected members of the tribe, and both of them have earned and deserve the respect they receive.