Benjamin Okii, the Clan Head of the Okiibura Clan, has denied allegations circulating in some tabloids and on social media that he tortured Achola Winnie, a 21-year-old girl. He asserts these claims are untrue.
In an interview with members of the press on Thursday morning from Obutu Well Cell, Lira City West Division, Lira City, Benjamin Okii refuted the allegations, stating he did not assault the girl.
“How can I beat a person with an axe? I am a sound-minded person, a clan head, and a respected community figure who upholds the rule of law,” said Okii.
He attributed the allegations to a culturally motivated campaign by a small group within the cultural circle, who seek to tarnish his name and reputation due to his strong support for Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii and the Lango Cultural Foundation.
He recounted that his son informed him that the girl had been caught cutting down one of his trees for firewood in his garden on February 28, 2025. Through his mother, the girl allegedly begged for forgiveness.
“I understand they intended to extort money from me by falsely claiming I beat the girl. This is a complete fabrication and will not succeed,” added Okii.
He accused Agnes Alwedo, a resident of Anai Ober Ward, Lira City West Division, and the victim’s father, of making false statements on a Lira City radio station. They alleged that Okii subjected her daughter to severe physical torture, including stoning her head, beating her with an axe handle, and tying her legs with ropes, which he vehemently denies.
Okii has issued a 24-hour ultimatum for those defaming him to issue a public apology. Otherwise, he intends to seek legal redress in court on Monday.
“I, Benjamin Okii, have never harmed anyone. Now, I want Alwedo and her daughter to face charges of criminal trespass and defamation, including an online newspaper based in the Lango sub-region.”
Mr. Okii demanded that the LC II of Ober Ward, Vincent Waca, and the girl’s father apologize to him on the radio for fabricating the news, and also to the press. He also requested they provide evidence to substantiate their claims regarding the alleged incident. If they fail to do so, he will pursue legal action.
He warned a journalist, whom he believes is being used to attack him, to apologize on the same platform. Failure to do so will result in him requesting the Lira City West Division police at Ojwina Police Station to arrest the journalist for their unacceptable conduct towards the cultural heads of the Lango Cultural Foundation.
Addressing the media from Lira City West, he reiterated that if the perpetrators do not apologize, he will bring them before the court.
He refuted reports that Achola sustained severe injuries, including a dislocated collarbone, as a result of the alleged torture, calling them “a complete lie.”
