Obierikas Affidavit:

I am Obierika of Umuofia. I was Okonkwo's best friend. I am a respected man and I

hold a number of titles within my tribe. I am loyal to the traditions of Umuofia and I previously
felt there were many learning opportunities to understand from the British and their religion. I do
not think this anymore. I have experienced the British rule, they have tried to change our way of
life by turning our own tribesmen against us; using them as agents for their new religion and
government, they have treated us with little respect, and they have driven my best friend to his
death.
When Okonkwo was set free from the guardroom - all his male relations - including
myself, gathered in his obi. No one spoke. We urged him to eat but he had no appetite for food,
and we all noticed the long cuts on his back from the wardens whip. He had come back from the
British jail different. He was silent, with a heavy and fearsome face.
That next day, Okonkwo told me he would fight and go to war with the British, even if the
rest of the tribe was convinced against it. That day there was vengeance in his heart. When
the messenger of The White Man came to stop the gathering, Okonkwo drew his machete in a
flash, killing the man with one blow. I think that this is where Okonkwo broke, because he knew
the clan would not follow him to war. The White Men had pushed him too far. Their rein had
changed him. His heart was full of depression, bitterness, despair, and bleakness. So after he
killed the messenger, he wiped his machete on the ground and walked away slowly and
sullenly.
Okonkwo killed himself between the time he left the gathering and the time I came to
visit him the next day. When the District Commissioner came to Okonkwos obi that day, a few
fellow men and I were gathered there, mourning him while we waited for the strangers from the
far village to come and bury his body. The Commissioner demanded to know where Okonkwo
was so I lead him and his men to the place he had hung himself near the back of his compound.
I asked if they would help bury the body. I even offered to pay them.
A
As I looked upon Okonkwos body; dangling from the banana tree, I became consumed
with anger. The British rule; the new religion, their new laws, the new and strange court system
- it had all driven Okonkwo to his death.
I told the Commissioner that Okonkwo was one of the greatest men in Umuofia, that the
White Men drove him to kill himself; and he was buried like a dog.
B
Okonkwo was a good man, he was respected amongst the tribe, and he had many titles.
He was a hard worker, loved by his family. He also loved his family, was a brave warrior, had a
strong heart, and brought honor to his village. The introduction of the British in Umuofia
changed him into the bitter depressed man he was before his death.

Questions:
Will you state your name?
Obierika

Do you hold any titles in your tribe?

I hold two titles and many people come to me for advice.

What is your relationship to Okonkwo?

Me and Okonkwo were great friends despite our differences.

What did you admire about Okonkwo?

He was strong, and an independent thinker. He was a great warrior, a leader. He wrestled hard
and farmed even harder. He held many titles of honor.

Were you at the village gathering where Okika spoke?

I was sitting in the front of the crowd.

Who were you standing next to?

Okonkwo

What happened at the village gathering?

Five court messengers came to the gathering. Okonkwo confronted the head messenger and
asked what they wanted. The messenger told him that the white man had ordered the meeting
to stop. Okonkwo killed him with two blows from his machete.

Were you there when the District Commissioner came to Okonkwos compound the next
day?

Yes

What happened when the Commissioner came to Okonkwos compound that day?

The Commissioner demanded to know where Okonkwo was so I lead him and his men to the
place he had hung himself near the back of his compound.
Your Honor may I approach the witness?
I am handing you an exhibit marked Prosecution Exhibit B
Do you recognize the exhibit?
What is the Exhibit?

 Can you please read the highlighted section of your affidavit

labeled part A to speak on Okonkwos death?
Can you please read the highlighted section of your affidavit labeled part B to speak on
Okonkwos character?

Obierika, How do you feel about Ibo life and culture?

I am loyal to my culture and religion. I have been never questioned the ways of my people.

How did you feel about the Christians when they first came to Umuofia?

I thought their new way of life could be a learning experience for our people.

How do you feel about the Christians now?

I feel that they made things worse and tore my village apart. They disregarded our culture and
mistreated my people.
What happened to make you feel this way?
My best friend Okonkwo killed himself because of them.

Questions For Obierika

Will you state your name?

Do you hold any titles in your tribe?

What is your relationship to Okonkwo?

What did you admire about Okonkwo?

Were you at the village gathering where Okika spoke?

Who were you standing next to?

What happened at the village gathering?

Were you there when the District Commissioner came to Okonkwos compound the next
day?

What happened when the Commissioner came to Okonkwos compound that day?

Your Honor may I approach the witness?

I am handing you an exhibit marked Prosecution Exhibit B
Do you recognize the exhibit?
What is the Exhibit?

Can you please read the highlighted section of your affidavit labeled part A to speak on
Okonkwos death?

Can you please read the highlighted section of your affidavit labeled part B to speak on
Okonkwos character?

Obierika, How do you feel about Ibo life and culture?

How did you feel about the Christians when they first came to Umuofia?

How do you feel about the Christians now?

What happened to make you feel this way?