The primary conflict in Achebe's short story "Marriage is a Private Affair" concerns Nnaemeka's decision to forego the traditional Igbo marriage custom in favor of marrying the woman of his dreams. In the traditional Igbo marriage custom, parents dictate who their children marry. Nnaemeka's father, Okeke, is a staunch traditionalist, who has already chosen a bride for his son. However, Nnaemeka harbors Western values regarding love and marriage. Nnaemeka dismisses the traditional Igbo custom and embraces Western principles by proposing to Nene against his father's will. In doing so, Nnaemeka severs his relationship with Okeke, who shuns him for eight years. Despite Nnaemeka's numerous attempts to repair their relationship, Okeke remains resolute and refuses to speak to his son. Okeke's character represents traditional African cultures ,while Nnaemeka represents Western values. The disagreement between the two characters underscores the theme of culture clash, which Achebe explores throughout the short story.