Ekwefi was powerless to stop Chielo from taking Ezinma to the Oracle because Chielo was the priestess of the Oracle, which held significant spiritual authority in the community. Chielo's actions were seen as divinely inspired and were not to be questioned or interfered with. Ekwefi had to respect the traditions and beliefs of the community, even if it meant temporarily relinquishing her parental authority.
In Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart," it is Okonkwo who follows Chielo and Ezinma during their journey to the Oracle. Okonkwo is Ezinma's father and he accompanies them to the shrine to ensure Ezinma's safety.
Chielo is the priestess of the Oracle of the Hills and Caves in the village. She has a special relationship with Ekwefi, who is Okonkwo's second wife, because she is close to Ekwefi's daughter, Ezinma. Chielo often visits Ekwefi's compound to take Ezinma on spiritual journeys.
Ekwefi follows Chielo because she is devoted to her daughter, Ezinma, and is concerned about her well-being. She trusts Chielo as the priestess of the Oracle of the Hills and Caves and believes in the power of the deity. Ekwefi's love for her daughter outweighs her fears and doubts, leading her to follow Chielo to protect Ezinma.
Chielo delivers the message that Ezinma must accompany her to see the Oracle of the Hills and Caves. The message indicates that Chielo is acting as the priestess of the Oracle and is taking Ezinma to fulfill a spiritual duty rather than for any harmful intention.
Ezinma is safely returned by Okonkwo and Ekwefi after they discover her hidden in the oracle caves, where she was taken by Chielo, the priestess of Agbala. Chielo brings Ezinma back to her parents unharmed, as it was all part of the oracle's plan to test Okonkwo's loyalty.
Chielo, the priestess of Agbala, appears in front of Ekwefi as she waits tearfully outside Agbala's cave. Chielo eventually takes Ezinma, Ekwefi's daughter, with her into the cave for a special ceremony.
Chielo announces that she is to take Ezinma to see Agbala, the Oracle of the Hills and Caves. She believes Ezinma has been chosen by the Oracle and must undergo a spiritual journey.
The Oracle of Agbala comes to take Ezinma. She is normally called Chielo.
Chielo takes Ezinma to see Agbala. She goes around the 9 villages, into the cave of the shrine of the Oracle of Hills and Caves, and then back to Ezinma's bed to sleep.
Ezinma returns to Okonkwo's compound with the help of her mother, Ekwefi, after she falls seriously ill. Ekwefi follows the Oracle's instructions for Ezinma's healing, which involve taking Ezinma to the shrine and administering special herbs. This treatment helps Ezinma recover and return home.
Chielo goes to Okonkwo's compound to take Ezinma, who is Okonkwo's daughter, to the Oracle of the Hills and Caves. Chielo is the priestess of the Oracle and has a special, spiritual connection with Ezinma.
Ekwefi recoils from Chielo because Chielo embodies the spirit of Agbala, the Oracle of the Hills and Caves. Agbala is a powerful and feared deity that commands respect and obedience from the villagers. Ekwefi, like others, is in awe of Agbala's spiritual and mystical presence.