By Okidi Patrick
LIRA, UGANDA. November 11, 2025 – H.H. Yosam Odur Ebii, the Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) of the Lango Cultural Foundation, has passed away at the age of 99 from Lira Teaching school of Science on Monday 10th, November 2025 at 4:20 AM. His death has immediately prompted the Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) to assert its sole authority over his burial arrangements, issuing a stern warning against any “masquerading group” attempting to interfere.
Prime Minister Ogwal Oyee of Lango Cultural Foundation announced the paramount chief’s demise, emphasizing the LCF’s exclusive responsibility for the funeral. “The burial of H.H. Won Nyaci Odur Ebii is purely in the hands of the Lango Cultural Foundation. We don’t want to hear any masquerading group to say they are the ones in charge of his burial arrangement,” warned Prime Minister Ogwal Oyee, adding that an emergency meeting with the Cabinet ministers of the LCF would be convened. “Mzee is not a small person; we shall take time as we bury him,” he stated.
The passing of Won Nyaci Odur Ebii comes amidst an ongoing leadership dispute within the Lango Cultural Institution, with legal battles concerning the paramount chieftaincy still unresolved. Benjamin Okii, a prominent clan head, acknowledged the court proceedings, stating, “He has ruled out the issue of former Won Nyaci, court is still ongoing. There is no mediation, court is ongoing since Lango Cultural Institution rejected mediation. LCI is on appeal.” He urged for unity, saying, “Let’s use the death of Yosam to unite.”
According to his son, Olobo Odur Anthony, the late paramount chief died at 99 years old. He recounted that his father began feeling unwell on Monday and was admitted to Lira Teaching school of science medical facility on Tuesday. Olobo, who is involved in a separate court case with Eng. Moses Micheal Odongo Okune, left his father at the hospital to attend a court session in Kampala. He returned but again proceeded to Lira Referral Hospital at midnight to collect recommended medicine for his treatment but confirmed his father’s passing from a doctor at Lira teaching school of science at 4:20 AM.
Tributes poured in for the late leader, highlighting his contributions to the Lango sub-region and beyond. Prime Minister Frederick Ogwal Oyee remembered Yosam Odur as “a source of guidance to all walks of life in Lango.”
Warned masqueraders that they should stop using the word former Won Nyaci since there is still ongoing court battle as per the throne .
Dr. Ocen Lorry Lawrence praised Odur as “a disciplined person and was law-abiding as per the rule of law.”
The Itogo representative, who knew Mzee Yosam when he worked with the Lango local government and coordinated with him as chairperson of the Lango community in Kampala, urged for unity among the Lango people to ensure a “decent burial,” believing it would “make a positive way forward towards Lango’s future.”
Tom Anang Odur recalled Won Nyaci Odur Ebii’s efforts in uniting all clan leaders under the Lango Cultural Foundation. He also credited him with approaching H.E. President Museveni to establish the “Amuka Boys,” a initiative that significantly contributed to peace in the region. Anang Odur requested the government to grant him an official burial due to his disciplined service.
Okodi Levi Mac-Pio Presidential advisor highlighted Mzee Odur’s advocacy for the creation of new districts in Lango, the development and initiation of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, and the establishment of Lira University now in place.
Benjamin Okii further elaborated on the Lango Paramount chief’s dedication, narrating how Yosam Odur Ebii once walked on foot from Teboke, carrying roasted cassava, to Soroti to dissuade young Lango boys from attacking the NRA in Soroti airfield. Okii also appealed to future leaders to reduce the number of clan heads to 150 for more effective governance.
Jacob Ocen, the spokesperson of the Lango Cultural Foundation, confirmed that Yosam Odur Ebii led Lango Cultural Foundation for 23 years and left behind the constitution of the Lango Cultural Institution. He asserted that, “Yosam Odur Ebii is the Won Nyaci of Lango Cultural Foundation,” and defiantly added regarding the ongoing dispute by some elements ,
Olobo Anthony Odur the son of the late Mzee Odur Yosam said”Odongo Okune should do what he feels, including taking him to Lujira Prison since he is still battling a case lodged on him by Eng. Micheal Moses Odongo Okune “An emergency council meeting is scheduled for November 11, 2025, to discuss the comprehensive arrangements for the burial of the legitimate paramount chief.
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