In Things Fall Apart, why does Okonkwo refuse to show affection toward Ikemefuna? Click here to read an excerpt. Okonkwo fears that he will lose his status among other men. Ikemefuna assumes that Okonkwo prefers him to his own son. Okonkwo does not want Nwoye to be jealous of Ikemefuna. Ikemefuna desires no favoritism be shown him by Okonkwo.