LIRA, UGANDA — The Head of Inomo Clan, Fredrick Ogwal Oyee, has strongly refuted allegations that he organized a rival enthronement ceremony for a faction of the Orimakori clan, describing the accusations as baseless, totally unfounded and an attempt to drag his innocent clan into matters that do not concern them at all.
In an exclusive response to the allegations published in some local media, Oyee distanced himself and the Inomo Clan from the installation of Yafesi Okello Otim as Awiitong (clan leader) of Orimakori Okwer Amor in Otuke District — a move that has sparked tensions within some sections of Orimakori leadership.
“I have not organized the enthronement of an Orimakori Clan Chief. If I am invited to an enthronement function, does that qualify me as an organizer?” Oyee posed in a statement, challenging the logic behind the accusations leveled against him.
Oyee further dismissed claims that he was present in Otuke during the period when the alleged ceremony took place. “I was not anywhere near Otuke during the period of reference. But again, even if I was in Otuke attending that enthronement, what offence would I have committed?” he questioned.
I was going through the list of Clans subscribing to Lango Cultural Foundation and I could not fine one called Orimakori. Instead I could one called Orimakori Okwer Amor. So the baby cries of those peddling my names seem suspect to me. I think there are people who have fallen in love with the name Ogwal Oyee”, Says Oyee
The Inomo Clan leader called on dissatisfied factions within the Orimakori clan , if at all they are there, to resolve their differences internally without involving outsiders.
“Please ask those Clan Chiefs of Orimakori who are not happy with Awitong Yafesi Otim to sort out their internal issues. Most importantly, they should leave Inomo Clan out. We have no interest in splitting other clans,” Oyee asserted.
Without naming specific individuals, Oyee suggested that those pointing fingers at him may be deflecting attention from the real architects of clan divisions in the Lango sub-region. “In any case, all Lango of sound mind know the chief architect responsible for splitting clans in Lango,” he said.
The rebuttal follows claims by Orimakori clan leaders that the Saturday ceremony at Got Ojwang in Otuke District was organized by Oyee to install Yafesi Okello Otim as a rival leader — a move they say threatens the unity of their clan.
According to multiple Orimakori chiefs who addressed the press, security personnel in Otuke initially blocked the event, but organizers allegedly defied restrictions and proceeded with the installation elsewhere. The faction is reportedly being referred to as “Orimakori Okwer Amor.”
Eng. Tom Obua, vice Awiitong of Orimakori, disclosed that the clan held three negotiation meetings in 2023, which Yafesi Okello Otim attended. “We all agreed to work together to promote peace. No external party should interfere in our leadership matters,” Obua stated.
Sam Ojuka, the Orimakori clan chief leading Dokolo, urged the Inomo clan to pursue dialogue rather than actions that divide communities, while Peter Musafira, chief for Ogur, Okwang, Alito, and other parts of North Lango, warned that clan divisions could have long-term cultural and health repercussions.
Inomo Clan Spokesperson Calls for Evidence
In a balanced response, Inomo Clan spokesperson Walter Ojok said the clan had not received any prior information about the alleged involvement of their leadership in the Orimakori dispute. He called on accusers to come forward with evidence.
“Anyone with evidence implicating our leadership should present it”, Ojok stated.
Alex Odongo, Orimakori clan chief of Amugu in Alebtong, expressed disappointment that educated and knowledgeable individuals were contributing to internal conflicts. He cautioned that anyone seeking to break away from the clan should not misuse the Orimakori name.
Efforts to obtain comments from Yafesi Okello Otim regarding the alleged enthronement were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls by press time.
