By KT Reporter
The Paramount Chief of Lango (Won Nyaci) under the Lango Cultural Foundation, Yosam Odur Ebii, has died at the age of 99. He passed away on Monday morning at Lira University Teaching Hospital, where he had been admitted for nearly a week.
Jacob Ocen, spokesperson for the Lango Cultural Foundation, confirmed the news, saying: “He was admitted after suffering from malaria but later started coughing severely.” Mzee Yosam had served as the Paramount Chief of Lango since 2003, earning respect for his efforts to promote peace, unity, and cultural preservation among the Lango people.
However, in recent years, a leadership dispute emerged between him and some of his subjects, leading to the formation of the Lango Cultural Institution (LCI). In 2024, Engineer Michael Moses Odongo Okune was elected Paramount Chief, a move contested by Odur and some aligned clan leaders, resulting in several court cases. One of those cases is scheduled for hearing today, November 10, 2025.
Several people have taken to social media to express condolences. Patricia Aceng Ogwang, a politician, wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Apap Yosam Odur Ebii, former Won Nyaci, a devoted cultural leader and true son of the land. His unwavering love for our heritage and tireless efforts to uphold the dignity and unity of the Lango people will forever be remembered.”
More details will follow.
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