Amid the lingering leadership dispute in Asafama Community, an elder statesman, Elder Capt. Nelson Ebitimi, popularly known as Bob OK, has called on all parties to embrace peace and dialogue, while announcing a roundtable meeting towards finding an amicable resolution to the crisis, with stakeholders on all sides of the leadership dispute expected to participate at the Bimos Hotel, Airport Road, Warri, Delta State, by 10:00am on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Ebitimi, in a press statement on Monday, signed by himself and witnessed by Elder David Keke and Elder Richard Johnny, appealed to elders, leaders, stakeholders, youths, women and other sons and daughters of Asafama Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West council area to put the collective interest of the community above individual differences.

According to Ebitimi, recent developments surrounding the leadership of Asafama are matters of concern to every well-meaning indigene, stressing that disagreements should not be allowed to undermine the unity and peaceful coexistence of the people.

He maintained that the lingering differences could be resolved through sincere dialogue, mutual respect, understanding and willingness by the parties involved to make compromises in the overall interest of Asafama.

“There is no disagreement that cannot be resolved when sincere dialogue, mutual respect and the overall interest of the community are placed above personal considerations,” he stated.

Ebitimi explained that the proposed roundtable is intended to provide a neutral platform for concerned stakeholders to frankly deliberate on the issues responsible for the leadership dispute and work towards an amicable and lasting solution, stressing that the peace initiative was neither designed to favour nor condemn any individual or group, but to bring the people together to objectively examine the issues and chart a way forward for the community.

The elder also appealed to supporters of the various interests, particularly youths, to remain calm and law-abiding while efforts are being made to restore harmony.

He cautioned against threats, insults, inflammatory statements and other actions capable of worsening the situation, reminding stakeholders that leadership positions are temporary while the community and bonds of kinship remain.

“Asafama Community belongs to all of us. Leadership will come and go, but our community and the bonds we share as a people will remain. We must therefore not allow temporary disagreements to create permanent divisions among us,” Ebitimi cautioned.

The peace intervention comes amid disagreements over the leadership of Asafama Community, following the suspension of Executive Chairman Mr. Episi Mulade by some elders and stakeholders—a decision Mulade has disputed as he continues to assert his position as chairman.

Ebitimi expressed optimism that the August 29 roundtable would provide an opportunity for reconciliation and called on all concerned stakeholders to attend with open minds and a genuine commitment to peace.

He further prayed for wisdom among the parties to resolve their differences peacefully and for the continued progress, unity and development of Asafama Community and Gbaramatu Kingdom.