Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune has stepped down from his role as the parallel Lango cultural leader and accepted to work under Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii, the legitimate cultural head. This move is part of a reconciliation process that aims to pave the way for the election of a new Paramount Chief, also known as the Wonyaci.
Lango has witnessed a longstanding division in its cultural leadership, with two parallel factions: the gazetted Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) and Tekwaro Lango (TL), which has dragged on for over a decade. However, on Tuesday, clan leaders from both factions convened for a joint council meeting where they agreed to work together, promoting peace and the development of Lango.
This collaborative effort began after a series of reconciliation meetings organized by independent clan leaders at the Margarita Palace Hotel. George Ojwang Opota, the Prime Minister of Tekwaro Lango, who represented Eng. Odongo Okune in the meeting, expressed their readiness to unite and cooperate with LCF as they proceed with electing a new Wonyaci.
Ojwang added that Eng. Odongo Okune is prepared to compete for the same position once the Electoral Commission releases a roadmap for the election.
The clan leaders also resolved to refrain from spreading derogatory messages against each other through both mainstream and social media. They also committed to amending the constitution to accommodate the needs of both parties and to operate under a single Wonyaci. Benson Dila Oyuku, the Speaker of Lango Cultural Foundation, who chaired the joint council meeting, emphasized the importance of calmness and peace among clan leaders. He believes that reconciliation will bring unity and foster development in Lango.
Rtd. Col. Tony Otoa, the clan chief of Obwor Clan, concurred with Dila, highlighting that the leadership conflicts in Lango Cultural Institution have impeded developmental opportunities, which can now be realized with this resolution.
Bosco Ogwang Edola, the clan chief of Omolo-atar clan, expressed his excitement about this development, emphasizing that Lango desires peace, which can only be achieved through the unity of both factions.
To mark the beginning of this transition, clan leaders installed and swore in new Electoral Commissioners responsible for organizing the election and inauguration of the new Wonyaci. The seven-member commission includes Peter Obongo Acuda from Apac, Ben Otim Ogwete from Lira, Beatrice Amongi Lagada, Vincent Oling from Oyam, Tom Otim from Otuke, Hamza Okello from Dokolo, and John Elem from Amolatar district.
Last month, Mzee Odur Ebii announced his intention to step down and hand over office to a new leader. In his transition roadmap, Wonyaci instructed the electoral body to organize the election of the new paramount chief, who will be sworn in and inaugurated in October, preceding the official handover in December 2024.
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