By Our Correspondent
Lango Region – A wave of discontent is sweeping across Lango sub-region as residents from several districts have publicly rejected the election of Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune as the new Wonyaci (Paramount Chief), calling for a fresh election conducted through adult suffrage to restore peace and unity.
Barely months after the death of Wonyaci Yosam Odur Ebii, tensions are mounting over the process that saw Dr. Odongo Okune assume the cultural throne, with many accusing clan heads of being bribed to install him against the will of the people.
‘Not the Will of Lango People’
Tony Ojek, a resident of Amugu Sub-county in Alebtong District, did not mince words in his criticism.
“The election of Odongo was not the will of the people of Lango. It was the will of some clan heads (Owitonge) who were bribed by Dr. Eng. Moses Micheal Odongo Okune to elect him,” Ojek told Ankoletimes in an interview.
His sentiments were echoed across the region, signaling deep-seated dissatisfaction with the manner in which the cultural leader was selected.
Fresh Election Only Solution, Says Residents
Tobias Olal, a resident of Abuli in Kwania District, called upon the leadership of the Lango Cultural Foundation to organize a fresh election for the position of Wonyaci.
“If Lango is to be calm and united, we must have a fresh election. The current leadership under Odongo Okune cannot bring us together,” Olal said.
Ocen Olake, a resident of Acabi in Oyam District, proposed a way forward, urging Dr. Odongo Okune to cooperate with the Lango Cultural Foundation to organize a fresh election where he could also contest.
“If Odongo Okune wants blessings from Lango and to lead with peace, he should accept to team up with the Lango Cultural Foundation and contest for Wonyaci again. That way, the people of Lango will witness a peaceful transition of power to a new Wonyaci,” Olake stated.
Intellectuals Urged to Step In
Akello Amina, a resident of Kayago Landing Site in Namasale Sub-county, Amolatar District, appealed to intellectuals in Lango to provide guidance.
“Our educated people must come together and advise Lango so that peace can prevail. We cannot continue like this,” Akello said.
Adonyo Silvester of Ogwete in Otuke District reminisced about the late Wonyaci Yosam Odur Ebii, describing him as a peaceful leader who moved Lango to greater development heights. He decried what he called a hurried election of Odongo Okune.
“Odongo Okune should step aside and join the Lango Cultural Foundation under the leadership of Prime Minister Fredrick Ogwal Oyee, who is acting Wonyaci, and have a round-table talk,” Adonyo advised.
Santos Okello, a resident of Awila in Apac District, added that the election of Odongo Okune was not conducted in line with the people’s will.
Lango Cultural Foundation Speaks
Felix Adupa Ongwech, Minister for ICT and Foreign Affairs under the Lango Cultural Foundation, told Ankoletimes that the foundation will do everything necessary to ensure Lango comes together to elect a Wonyaci of their choice.
“The election of Dr. Eng. Moses Micheal Odongo Okune is not the one. There are wise people in Lango who are quiet instead of guiding the region on what needs to be done and how Lango should move forward,” Adupa said.
Jacob Ocen, the Lango Cultural Foundation spokesman, confirmed that preparations for a fresh election of a new Wonyaci are already underway.
“We are now preparing to organize the election of the new Wonyaci of Lango. Any clan head who wants to contest should get ready. Odongo Okune should follow the same process. If he wins, people will put respect on him rather than him leading Lango without respect,” Ocen stated.
Acting Wonyaci Calls for Calm
Fredrick Ogwal Oyee, the Prime Minister of Lango Cultural Foundation who is acting as Wonyaci according to the foundation’s constitution, appealed for calm among the Lango people as they await the fresh election.
“Let us remain peaceful as we prepare for this process,” Ogwal Oyee said.
Tekwaro Lango Declines Comment
Attempts to get a comment from Tekwaro Lango under the leadership of Wonyaci Dr. Eng. Moses Micheal Odongo Okune were futile by press time, as repeated phone calls went unanswered.
