Yosam remained the legitimate Won Nyaci until his death – LCF speaker

The Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) has announced the passing of His Highness Yosam Odur Ebii, the Won Nyaci (Paramount Chief) of Lango.

Won Nyaci Yosam died at Lira University Teaching Hospital on Monday, November 10, 2025, aged 99.

Frederick Ogwal Oyee, Prime Minister of the LCF confirmed the chief’s passing in a solemn address from the foundation’s offices in Lira City.

“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Paramount Chief,” he stated, calling for unity and togetherness across the Lango sub-region during this period of mourning.

Ogwal highlighted that Won Nyaci Odur dedicated his life to service for more than two decades, further noting his unwavering commitment to cultural preservation, peace, unity, and socioeconomic development.

“His leadership laid a strong foundation for cultural revival and stability in Lango,” the Prime Minister affirmed.

The Lango Cultural Foundation said they have formally notified President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and relevant government ministries of the chief’s passing, in accordance with national and cultural protocols.

The foundation expressed gratitude for the government’s longstanding support and recognition of the Won Nyaci institution.

Laury Lawrence Ocen, Speaker of Lango Cultural Foundation, said he was dismissing “misinformation” circulating on social media and local radio about the late Won Nyaci’s status.

He clarified that Yosam Odur Ebii remained the legitimate Paramount Chief until his death. The speaker praised the late leader as a “pillar of peace” who consistently emphasised cultural strength and guidance, even during periods of internal challenge.

He also affirmed that the foundation will follow its constitutional procedures to select a new leader after the burial and will not recognise any breakaway factions.

Jacob Ocen, spokesperson for the foundation, honoured Yosam Odur Ebii as a heroic leader whose legacy of love, peace, and unity will endure. He noted that the late chief was the first to assume the throne after the government restored cultural leadership to clan leaders and served for 23 years as Won Nyaci.

Benjamin Okii, a clan leader of Okii Bura who worked alongside the late chief for years, remembered Yosam as a unifying figure and peacemaker, despite facing internal challenges over the years.

He noted that Yosam was the third Won Nyaci of Lango, succeeding Benayakaci Otim, and that the process to elect his successor would begin following his burial.

On October 31, 2024, Justice Philip Odoki ruled that Yosam Odur Ebii was still the legitimate Won Nyaci of Lango as per the Lango Cultural Foundation’s constitution.

In the same ruling, he declared the elections of Eng Moses Michael Odongo Okune and Dickson Ogwang Okul as successor Won Nyacis “null and void.”

Following the ruling, Eng. Odongo of LCI and others filed an application for a stay of execution in the Lira High Court. Their appeal was dismissed with costs by Justice Odoki.

Also read: ‘We will suffer irreparable loss and harm,’ Eng. Odongo swears as CoA set to judge

Dissatisfied, they filed another application for a stay of execution in the Court of Appeal, Kampala. This time, it was granted.

For a year now, Eng. Michael Odongo Okune has been operating as Won Nyaci of LCI on the “successful grant of stay of execution” by the Court of Appeal with the main suit yet to be heard to its conclusion.