Who is Rev. Samuel Ikedi from No Longer at Ease and what is their importance?

Rev. Samuel Ikedi is the pastor of of Umuofia's St. Mark's Anglican Church, Ikeda presides at the prayer service that sends Obi Okonkwo off to Lagos and ultimately England. Ikedi over the course of half an hour sees Obi as fulfillment of the prophecy of Matthew 4.16 (paraphrasing Isaiah 9.2) before asking for someone to lead them in prayer. Ikedi comes originally from a township, so he understands the changing patterns in marriage ceremonies.