Yosam Odur Ebii
Yosam Odur Ebii | |
|---|---|
| Won Nyaci of the Lango | |
| In office 2003–2024 | |
| Succeeded by | Dr. Eng Michael Moses Odongo Okune (government-recognized; disputed) |
| Minister of Health | |
| In office 1983–1985 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1926 Akokoro, Apac District, Protectorate of Uganda |
| Died | (aged 99) Lira, Uganda |
| Spouse | Imat Victoria Agong (died 2011) |
| Occupation | Cultural leader |
Yosam Odur Ebii (1926 – 10 November 2025) was a Ugandan traditional leader who was elected as Won Nyaci or the "Paramount Chief (locally known as Won Nyaci[1]) of the Lango people" in 2003 by the council of Clan heads (natively known as Owitong) in Apac district.[2] In October 2023, he announced plans to abdicate in 2024.[3][4][5] A succession process in 2024 and 2025 led to competing claims and court action in Lira High Court which concluded that Michael Moses Odongo Okune was the only legitimate Won Nyaci to succeed Yasam Odur Ebii.[6][7][8][9][10]
Early life
Odur Ebii was born in 1926 in Akokoro village, Apac District in Northern Uganda.[11]
Leadership
Odur Ebii was chosen by a council of Lango clan heads in 2003 after cultural institutions were restored in Uganda. During his tenure he presided over cultural ceremonies and engaged national bodies on community matters.[8][12]
Succession and legal dispute
In June 2024 the government gazetted civil engineer Michael Moses Odongo Okune as the Lango cultural leader, following a March 2024 election run by one faction. Odur’s camp opposed the process.[6][13][14] On 31 October 2024, the High Court in Lira halted the planned installation of Odongo Okune. Odur’s side welcomed the ruling and called for unity.[15][16]
On 7 November 2024, the Gender Minister Betty Amongi said Odur Ebii was no longer the Lango paramount chief and asked his lawyers to show proof of reinstatement.[6] However, statements from Betty Amongi confirmed that the government recognized Michael Moses Odongo Okune as the only legitimate Won Nyaci, reinforcing the state’s official position on his leadership.[17][18]
Personal life and death
Odur Ebii's spouse, Imat Victoria Agong, died in September 2011 and was buried in Apac District.[19][20]
Odur Ebii died at Lira University Teaching Hospital at 4:20am on 10 November 2025, where he had been admitted after suffering from malaria.[5][21][22][23]
References
- ^ "Home". Monitor. 11 November 2025. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ Independent, The (12 October 2023). "Lango Paramount Chief to retire in 2024". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ "Odur Ebii no longer Lango paramount chief, says minister Amongi". Monitor. 7 November 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ Otwii, Isaac. "Lango paramount chief moves to block rival chief's coronation". Nilepost News. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ a b Okino, Patrick (10 November 2025). "Lango paramount chief Yosam Odur Ebii dies". New Vision. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ a b c "Government gazettes Odongo Okune as Lango cultural leader". Monitor. 22 June 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Lango Paramount Chief Set to Retire in 2024". Uganda Radionetwork. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ a b Independent, The (12 October 2023). "Lango Paramount Chief to retire in 2024". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Ogora Clan Enthrones New Chief After a 10- Years Leadership Gap". Uganda Radionetwork. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Lango Cultural Foundation gets office after 22 years, despite leadership rift". Monitor. 23 February 2025. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ Lango King, ‘Won Nyaci’ Yosam Odur Ebii Dies at 99 Years
- ^ "ICC - ICC Holds Informative Workshop in Northern Uganda with Lango Cultural Leaders | International Criminal Court". www.icc-cpi.int. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Govt lawfully gazetted Lango paramount chief, says minister". Monitor. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Lango cultural leaders split on fresh election". Monitor. 15 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Lango chief calls for unity after landmark court ruling". Monitor. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ Otwii, Isaac. "Court blocks coronation of Lango Paramount Chief". Nilepost News. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Amongi to Lango: Odongo Okune is the only recognised Won Nyaci". Monitor. 4 May 2025. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Lango leadership dispute: Why minister defied court order". Monitor. 4 February 2025. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Lango Queen is Dead". Uganda Radionetwork. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Lango queen buried". New Vision. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Lango Paramount Chief Yosam Odur EbiI Dies at 99". Uganda Radionetwork. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Former Lango paramount chief Ebii dies at 99". Monitor. 10 November 2025. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ Oyuu, Flavia (10 November 2025). "Former Lango Paramount Chief Yosam Odur Ebii Dies at 99 - Uganda Catholic Television". Retrieved 10 November 2025.