A young girl from Umuofia has been killed by member of Mbaino, a neighboring village. Instead of going to war, Mbanio sends a young boy, Ikemefuna, to take her place. As to whether this action was just, we have to look at it from two perspectives. From the point of view of the two villages, it seems an excellent solution because it will prevent the deaths of many others in each village. However, from Ikemeufuna's point of view, it may be totally unfair. He is forced to leave his home and life in Okwonkwo's home. Ironically, Okwonkwo really likes and admires Ikemuefuna because, unlike his own son, Ikemuefuna is a good hunter and musician. At first, the deal seems to be working. However, eventually, the Oracle of the Hills and Caves demands the death of Ikemuefuna. Okwonkwo is warned not to participate in the killing of the boy, but Okwonkwo actually is the one who kills Ikemuefuna. Thus, from the boy's perspective, the deal must be looked on as unfair. Okwonkwo's actions also shatter his relationship with his own son. In the end, Umuofia was punished three times, once when the girl from their village was killed, once when Okwonkwo kills Ikemuefua and suffers the guilt from his actions and once when Nwoye, Okwonkwo's sun rejects his own father. Perhaps it would have been better for the Mbaino's to punish the people who actually killed the girl from Umuofia. Then the real instigators would suffer the consequences of their own actions.