The leadership crisis rocking Asafama Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has taken another turn as stakeholders of the community reaffirmed the suspension of the Executive Chairman, Mr. Episi Mulade, while calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take interest in allegations concerning the management of community funds.

According to High Chief Michael Johnny, vice chairman of Asafama Community, speaking on behalf of stakeholders, in a statement issued in response to recent developments surrounding the leadership of the community, maintained that their earlier decision suspending Mulade from office remains in force until further notice.

According to him, the action was taken in the overriding interest of peace, transparency, accountability and proper administration of Asafama Community.

Their latest declaration comes after Mulade, who disputes the action against him, issued a notice in his capacity as chairman inviting sons and daughters of the Nainai Dynasty, Asafama Community, to a general meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

The stakeholders, however, insisted that the issuance of the meeting notice does not alter their earlier position on his suspension, as they consequently called on sons and daughters of Asafama, government agencies, companies operating within the area, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to take note of the development and refrain from dealing with Mulade in the capacity of Executive Chairman pending the resolution of the issues surrounding his suspension.

The concerned stakeholders also invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant authorities to monitor developments in the community and, where appropriate, investigate allegations bordering on the alleged mismanagement and embezzlement of community funds, stressing that an independent investigation would provide an opportunity for the relevant financial records and transactions to be examined and the facts surrounding the allegations established.

The stakeholders, however, clarified that their call for an investigation should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against the suspended chairman, noting that the allegations remain subject to investigation and determination by the appropriate authorities.

According to them, their primary concern is to ensure that resources accruing to Asafama Community are properly accounted for and utilised for the collective development and welfare of the people.

“As stakeholders, our interest is not to persecute or malign any individual but to ensure that resources belonging to Asafama Community are transparently accounted for and utilised for the collective benefit of our people,” they stated.

They further appealed to members of Asafama Community, particularly the youths, to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the issues are being addressed, warning against actions and inflammatory statements capable of escalating tension within the community.

The stakeholders expressed confidence that the leadership dispute and allegations surrounding the administration of community resources could be resolved through lawful, transparent and accountable processes.

They reiterated that Mulade's suspension remains their position until further notice, while urging relevant government agencies and corporate organisations dealing with Asafama Community to take cognisance of the development.