In chapter eight, Okonkwo visits Obierika and discusses his role in Ikemefuna's death. Obierika does not conceal his feelings and criticizes Okonkwo for his actions. After their discussion, Obierika invites Okonkwo to help him negotiate the bride-price for his soon-to-be-married daughter, Akueke. Negotiating a bride-price is an important element of the Igbo marriage tradition, and Obierika requesting Okonkwo's help signifies their close bond and friendship. Okonkwo is one of eight men included in the negotiations, and the men use bundles of broomsticks to decide how many bags of cowries the suitor will pay for Obierika's daughter. After the men deliberate, they finally settle on twenty bags of cowries as the bride-price. The men then proceed to discuss strange customs practiced by neighboring villages.

Negotiating a bride-price is an intimate, important affair, and Obierika's invitation for Okonkwo to participate underscores their close friendship. Obierika is Okonkwo's best friend and acts as his foil throughout the story. Unlike Okonkwo, Obierika is sympathetic and thoughtful. He is always in control of his emotions and prefers to approach issues intellectually. During Okonkwo's exile, Obierika supports him by selling his yams and taking care of his property. Obierika also visits Okonkwo in his motherland and shares the news regarding the arrival of white Europeans. In the end, Obierika mourns Okonkwo's death and blames the white colonists for his demise.