Mr Benjamin Benat Okii, leader of Okii Bura Clan, has been declared rival Paramount Chief (Won Nyaci) of Lango under Lango Cultural Foundation (LCF) after emerging sole qualified candidate.
LCF Electoral Commission issued declaration on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, as nominations closed at about 10am.
Commission chairperson Col (Rtd) Dan Opito Odwee said two figures were vetted: Prof Dr Richard Nam of Okii Amat Clan, former LCF Prime Minister, and Mr Okii of Okii Bura Clan.
“The Electoral Commission conducted an extensive due diligence process at their headquarters in Lira to ensure both candidates met the specific requirements for the cultural office,” Col Opito told this reporter at LCF offices in Senior Quarters, Lira City East Division.
Prof Nam was disqualified over allegations of misconduct, including failure to hand over office after being replaced as Prime Minister and misuse of institution’s property.
Col Opito said allegations were put before Dr Nam. That left 71-year-old businessman as the only candidate duly nominated.
“The Commission confirmed that no other candidate successfully completed the nomination within the prescribed period,” Col Opito said.
Drama at LCF offices
Announcement triggered drama. At about 10:40am, Dr Nam and supporters stormed LCF offices demanding copy of Declaration Form.
“I want the declaration form now because I’m going to court. We wanted to reorganise Lango and there are people who are sabotaging our plans. This is nonsense. They did not call me to defend myself of the allegations labelled against me,” Dr Nam said.
His camp said it is unsatisfied and threatening legal redress.
Mr Okii will be enthroned November 14, 2026, same day as memorial service for late Won Nyaci Yosam Odur Ebii.
Speaking after declaration, Mr Okii called for unity. “The Lango people have all along been looking for a leader. This time, they have got a leader. I will work with them. I call for unity among the people of Lango,” he said.
Second Won Nyaci
Declaration deepens tangled succession. Clan leaders now recognise two people as Won Nyaci: Mr Okii and Eng Dr Moses Michael Odongo Okune of Tekwaro Lango.
Mr Phillip Ogile from Dr Odongo Okune’s camp dismissed development. “They’re daydreaming. We don’t have any other Won Nyaci except Odongo Okune,” he said.
Crisis dates to March 1, 2024, when Eng Dr Odongo Okune won election at Akii-Bua Stadium, polling 1,692 votes against 139 for Dr Dan Okello, with 27 invalid votes. Ministry of Gender gazetted him June 14, 2024.
On October 11, 2024, LCF electoral body chaired by Col Opito organised fresh election and declared Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul winner with 76,306 votes, Dr Nam 31,920, Mr Okii 12,513 and Dr Okello 4,834.
Courts stepped in. Justice Philip Odoki issued interim injunction pending Miscellaneous Application No. 108 of 2024 filed by Dr Odongo Okune and others.
On October 28, 2024, High Court in Lira blocked LCF from handing office to Ambassador Ogwang Okul. In judgment delivered October 31, 2024, in suits filed by Denis Obia Acila and Mr Okii, court annulled Dr Odongo Okune’s election as “illegal, null and void”. His coronation planned November 2, 2024 collapsed.
Court issued permanent injunction barring Ambassador Ogwang Okul from acting as Paramount Chief, declared Mr Odur Ebii, then 94, still Won Nyaci and directed Minister to re-gazette him.
Mr Odur Ebii, elected 2003, died October 10, 2025. Dr Odongo Okune sought stay, which was refused, and appealed to Court of Appeal. Hearing adjourned to December 2026.