The Lango Cultural Peace Team has resolved to elect a new Won Nyaci on March 1, 2024. The decision comes after an emergency cultural council meeting held at Margarita Palace Hotel on Friday, February 3, 2024. The impromptu gathering was initiated by the Peace Team to address the recent decision by Odur Yosam Ebii to terminate the work of the Electoral Commission responsible for the new Won Nyaci election, initially scheduled for March 1, 2024.
During the emergency meeting, Willy Omodo Omodo was elected as the interim speaker, succeeding Dila Benson. Omodo Omodo, who received 65 votes, beat his former teacher, Opio Opeo, who secured 24 votes. The Peace Team, consisting of over 120 clan heads (Owitong) from various clans in Lango chiefdom, played a crucial role in this decision.
Oath Commissioner Counsel Odoo Simon Peter led the oath of allegiance for Omodo Omodo and others in the afternoon session. In his acceptance speech, Omodo Omodo expressed determination for Lango culture to progress. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the stipulated three-minute speaking time allocation.
The interim speaker outlined the decisions made during the emergency meeting, including the solicitation of financial contributions from the Lango Parliamentary group, civil society organizations, among others. Omodo Omodo highlighted that the clan members want the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development to send a team to monitor and witness the election of the new Won Nyaci on March 1, 2024.
Addressing concerns about Odur Yosam’s decision to leave office officially in November 2024, Omodo Omodo asserted that the election must proceed as scheduled on March 1, 2024, considering the impending departure of Odur Yosam within a few months.
Various clan heads expressed their perspectives during the meeting. Jerome Angena insisted that the election date should remain unchanged on March 1, 2024. Geoffrey Ocen Abia emphasized the independence of the electoral commission and discouraged interference.
Opio Opeo urged the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development to accept only the roadmap agreed upon during the meeting at Margarita Palace Hotel on February 3, 2024. Anyii Omara of Pedi Cung-Kal clan advocated for decisive action, echoing the sentiment that Lango desires the election.
Ojok Zulu of Apac emphasized the importance of documenting the resolutions, calling for photocopies to be distributed to various clan heads. Ojok concluded by advocating for a resolute stance – saying “No to No and yes to yes.”
The Peace Team, led by Ogwang Edola Bosco and others, aims to navigate the electoral challenges, ensuring a smooth and transparent process in electing the new Won Nyaci.
