Yosam Odur Ebii | |
|---|---|
| Won Nyaci of the Lango | |
| In office 2003–2024 | |
| Succeeded by | Dr. Eng Michael Moses Odongo Okune (government-recognized;disputed) |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Spouse | Imat Victoria Agong (died 2011) |
| Occupation | Cultural leader |
Yosam Odur Ebii is a Ugandan cultural leader who was elected Won Nyaci or the "Paramount Chief Won Nyaci of Lango people" in 2003. In October 2023 he announced plans to retire in 2024. [1] [2] 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. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
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. [5] [8]
In June 2024 the government gazetted civil engineer Michael Moses Odongo Okune as Lango cultural leader,following a March 2024 election run by one faction. Odur’s camp opposed the process. [3] [9] [10] 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. [11] [12]
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. [3] However,statements from Betty Amongi confirmed that confirmed that the government recognized Michael Moses Odongo Okune as the only legitimate Won Nyaci,reinforcing the state’s official position on his leadership. [13] [14]
Odur Ebii’s spouse,Imat Victoria Agong,died in September 2011 and was buried in Apac District. [15] [16]