Lango cultural leaders say united as paramount chief Ebii burial set
Ocen, who also serves as the chairperson of the burial committee, said they have resolved to set aside their differences for the sake of peace, unity, and love for the Chief.
Prof Okullo, Ogwang Edola, and Ogwal Oyee after the meeting. (Credit: Patrick Okino)
LANGO - Lango cultural leaders say they have ended their wrangles over the leadership of the institution and united to ensure a befitting send-off for the deceased paramount chief (Won Nyaci) Yosam Odur Ebii.
Ebii passed away on November 10, 2025, at the Lira University Teaching Hospital.
During a Friday, November 14, 2025, meeting chaired by Speaker of the Lango Cultural Foundation Dr Laury Ocen, the leaders say they agreed to put aside their differences and focus on organising a dignified burial for the late cultural leader.
The meeting at Pacific Grand Hotel brought together both factions: The Lango Cultural Foundation, previously led by Odur, and the Lango Cultural Institution headed by government-gazetted Won Nyaci Dr. Eng. Odongo Okune.
Key figures in attendance included defacto acting Paramount Chief of the Lango Cultural Foundation, Frederick Ogwal Oyee, deputy speaker of Lango Cultural Institution, Dr Richard Ororo, Prince Anthony Olobo Odur, and Prof. Willie Okullo, the Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Institution.
Ocen, who also serves as the chairperson of the burial committee, said they have resolved to set aside their differences for the sake of peace, unity, and love for the Chief.
“I want to say that we have put aside our differences and are focusing on giving our father a befitting send-off,” he told the media at Pacific Grand Hotel on Saturday.
Bosco Ogwang Edola, the minister of finance in the Lango Cultural Institution, expressed gratitude for the progress made and commended Dr. Ocen and Princess Olobo for successfully coordinating the reconciliation meeting.
Ogwang, who contributed shillings one million toward the burial arrangements, urged all 190 clan leaders in Lango to support the preparations, noting that Odur made significant contributions to the community and that his death should bring the people of Lango together.
Ogwal Oyee said most of these clan leaders were enthroned by Odur, and therefore, there was no reason for them to turn against him or to continue fighting after his passing.
He also noted that LC5 chairpersons and councillors from the greater north, covering West Nile, Acholi, Teso, and Lango regions, will hold a meeting on November 20 at Mayor’s Garden in Lira city to eulogise him.
Afterward, the body will be taken to Boroboro Cathedral for a requiem Mass and will remain there overnight.
On November 21, it will be transported for burial, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 22.