ASFS Statement on Recent Member Code of Conduct

Date: 29 October 2024

We are aware of the specific allegations regarding ethics violations and appropriation reported, and other public concerns, related to one of our members and Nommo award recipient, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki. 

We are also aware of the investigation and decision made by SFWA, however, we have not received complete information from all the parties involved, or a response from Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki.

As a membership organization of African writers and artists, we are committed to upholding standards that foster respect and integrity, and do not condone behaviour that causes harm or risk to any person, in any form, nor practices that seek to appropriate and erase other authors’ work, or any other allegations. 

As an urgent response, the ASFS is committed to create a space for our members to come forward with any concerns, and an opportunity for Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki to respond.

We will be setting up a series of workshops for our members to discuss Codes of Conduct and fair practice in publishing. This will offer guidance on commercial publishing including contracts, processes, and rights - the benefits, the opportunities and the costs. 

A direct outcome of these workshops will be a new ASFS Code of Conduct providing clear ethical guidance which will be circulated to our members for voting and to add to our Charter.