Eng. Michael Moses Odongo Okune has taken the oath of office as the Lango Paramount chief alias Won- Nyaci. In haste, Counsel Makmot Kibwanga, the attorney general of the Lango Cultural Foundation on Wednesday presided over the ceremony right in front of the Lira High court in the presence of other clan chiefs including the speaker council of the cultural institution.
The swearing-in followed the stay of execution on a court order, which nullified the election of Eng. Odongo Okune and his subsequent coronation.
“I Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune being elected Won- Nyaci of Lango swear in the name of the almighty God that I shall faithfully exercise the function of Won- Nyaci and that I shall uphold, preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of Lango Cultural Institution, the people of Lango and their properties and observe the laws of Lango Cultural Institution and that I shall protect and promote the interest of Lango Cultural Foundation….so help me God.” He swore.
He was then ushered to his home in senior quarters, where he addressed the council of clan chiefs, emphasizing the need for peace and unity for development. He used the opportunity to nominate cabinet members who were vetted by the Council of Clan Chiefs and took over the office with immediate effect.
Earlier in the day, police interrupted the planned activity of welcoming Eng. Odongo Okune from Apii in Kole district on his way to Lira from Kampala. The group was dispersed from Lango Cultural Center where they were planning to hold a council meeting after Okune’s reception.
Brain Ampaire, the Lira Central DPC told Odongo’s supporters that his office has only received the order of court granting stay of execution without any further instruction regarding any other planned activity.
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In response, Counsel Makmot threatened to sue the police commander for interfering.
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In January, court of Appeal stayed the execution of the judgment and orders issued by the High Court of Lira in civil suit number 10 of 2024 pending the hearing and determination of the appeal emanating from the said suit.
Early last year, Benjamin Okii and Denis Obia Acila, both clan chiefs under Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) instituted High Court civil suit No.10 of 2024 challenging the election of Eng. Odongo Okune as the Paramount Chief of Lango because his election was illegal, null, and void, and in October, the Court delivered judgment in their favor, declaring that Odongo Okune was illegally elected as the Won-niece and his installation was permanently injuncted.
The same court also ordered that His Highness Yosam Odur Ebii be re-gazette in the official gazette as the paramount chief. However, having not been satisfied with the ruling, Eng. Odongo Okune and some of his supporters lodged their notice of appeal which is still pending hearing.
They also filed an application for a stay of execution which was dismissed by the high court in Lira, something which forced them to file an appeal on the same.
