Remains of Won Nyaci Yosam Odur to lay at Mayors Garden for public viewing

The Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) of Lango Yosam Odur Ebii will be buried at his ancestral home in Teboke, Apac on November 22, 2025

The organising committee for the send-off has recommended Saturday, 22 November 2025, as a date to bury the late chief. The late chief passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Lira University Teaching Hospital.

This confirmation was provided during an emergency LCF cabinet meeting held in Senior Quarters, Lira City East Division. The November 11 meeting, which focused on preparations for the final farewell, was chaired by the Foundation’s Prime Minister, Frederick Ogwal Oyee, who also serves as the Inono clan head.

Addressing journalists after that meeting, the Lango Cultural Foundation’s spokesperson, Jacob Ocen, clarified the succession plan. He announced that according to the Foundation’s 2017 constitution, the Prime Minister is mandated to take over the office for a period of one year following the death of the Won Nyaci (Paramount Chief).

Therefore, Prime Minister Fredrick Ogwal Oyee will act in this capacity, and a fresh election will be held as scheduled.

Additionally, Ocen stated that the office of the Lango Cultural Foundation has written to the government formally requesting an official burial. This request is in recognition of the numerous contributions Yosam Odur Ebill made to the community during his leadership.

Another key point from the cabinet meeting was the rejection of a statement issued by a rival body, the Lango Cultural Institution (LCI) under the leadership of Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune.

The Foundation declared that LCI lacks the power and moral authority to declare an official seven-day mourning period for the legitimate Lango Paramount Chief. Consequently, the Foundation has declared Eng. Odongo Okune’s statement as “null and void.”

Regarding the final rites, spokesperson Ocen declared that the chief’s body will be brought to Lira Mayor’s Garden for public viewing and final respects. He explicitly stated that the remains will not be taken to the Lango Cultural Centre.

This decision stems from the fact that the leadership of the Lango Cultural Institution, under Eng. Odongo Okune, had barred Yosam Odur Ebill from accessing the centre for the past two years.

LCI has accused the Odongo Okune-led institution of issuing what they described as a reckless statement calling for unity and a fitting send-off.

The Foundation urges the people of Lango to recognise that Odongo Okune has no authority to declare a seven-day mourning period.

Instead, the Foundation has permitted everyone to mourn until the Won Nyaci is laid to rest, but not according to the schedule declared by Eng. Odongo Okune.