Good Values

In Chinua Achebe’s classic novel Things Fall Apart, one of the most powerful yet tragic portrayals of loyalty is found in the relationship between Ikemefuna and Nwoye, the son of the protagonist, Okonkwo.

Ikemefuna is a boy given to the Umuofia clan as a peace offering to avoid war. Though he is essentially a political hostage, he is welcomed into Okonkwo’s household, where he forms a close bond with Nwoye. Ikemefuna becomes like an older brother; guiding, protecting, and influencing Nwoye in positive ways. Nwoye, in turn, becomes deeply loyal to Ikemefuna, admiring him and beginning to emulate his maturity and values.

This loyalty is tested when the Oracle decrees that Ikemefuna must be killed. Okonkwo is advised not to take part in the boy’s death, but he ignores this and delivers the fatal blow himself; a decision that deeply wounds Nwoye and fractures his trust in his father and in the traditions, he’s been taught to follow.

Also, imagine a friend who is going through a mental health crisis, feeling lost and isolated. Others may distance themselves, unsure of what to say or do. But a loyal friend will continue showing up, checking in, listening without judgment, defending him/her when others gossip, and being a consistent presence even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Definetely, that’s the kind of friend all of us want – a loyal friend!

In our everyday lives, loyalty takes many forms ; a friend who stands by us during our darkest hour, a partner who honors their commitment through changing seasons, or an employee who believes in a shared vision even when times get tough. These forms may seem ordinary, but they are extraordinary in a world where convenience often trumps conviction.

Amid constant change, rising ambition, and fleeting interests, loyalty remains one of the most profound yet often overlooked virtues. It doesn’t clamor for attention or showcase itself with flair. Rather, loyalty reveals itself quietly – in steadfast actions, unwavering presence, and the silent endurance of commitment. Whether reflected in real life or captured in literature, it serves as a moral compass, uncovering the deepest truths about character, love, friendship, and sacrifice.

Loyalty isn’t blind allegiance. It’s a conscious decision to remain connected, even when it’s difficult. It involves choice to support, to stay, to fight for something or someone even when walking away might be easier. It reveals itself not in grand declarations, but in small acts repeated over time: listening without judgment, defending someone in their absence, or showing up when it’s most needed

While loyalty is often praised, literature and life also show us its darker side. Loyalty to the wrong person or cause can blind us to truth and morality. Loyalty without discernment can become complicity.

This duality is important. True loyalty does not ask us to abandon our values – it calls us to uphold them even when doing so is inconvenient or risky. The best kind of loyalty is rooted in integrity, not in fear or habit.