Jobi burial today, grandson to succeed him

By Gilbert Awekofua in Atyak A LONDON-based 20-year-old grandson of Jobi II is expected to succeed him before today's burial of the Alur paramount chief. A source within the community of Lower Chiefs and elders locked up in a consultative meetings told The New Vision yesterday that a majority of elders support Phillip Olarker, to succeed his grandfather. Olarker completed his O-Level studies at Ombaci Senior Secondary School, Arua two years ago. Olarker who lives with his mother Rosette Kerunega, is the son of late Edward Kerunega who served as the Director of Uganda News Agency (UNA) before his death in 1988. Kerunega was the heir of Jobi I. In a telephone interview from London, Olarker said he expected to succeed his grandfather. "I expected it. I have not received official communication but I am not surprised. I cannot say much now because we are mourning. I ask the Alur community to come together at this trying moment. I will send a formal communication," said the deep voiced but soft speaking Olarker. Jobi II, 79-years old, who ruled for 22 years, died of complications in the digestive system on Sunday October 8. For cultural reasons, his death was announced three days later. Late Jobi II has three sons from among whom a possible successor can be chosen. Two of them, Nicholas Opio and Odongo are twins. Their chances are however slim because twins are not supposed to become chiefs. Charles Ocoreen is one of the sons but many here say he is unpopular. Succession is sometimes characterised by power struggles but there is no sign yet of supporters of different candidates. Speaking on phone, the mother of Olarker, Mrs. Kerunega said, "there are certain rights which people are born with. It is the right of my son to succeed his grandfather, there is no problem with that." Mrs. Kerenega however said the Alur culture should cope with modern changes. "This is the 21st century, things are changing. I will be happy to see my son working in a more flexible culture," she said. The rigid Alur culture bars the paramount chief from doing many things an ordinary person can do. He can only cross the Nile after a ritual is performed because of the separation of Labongo and Nyipir. Ends.