Lango Clan Feud Deepens as Otim, Adupa Trade Legitimacy Claims

Otim, who also serves as Minister of Gender, Children, Youth and Women’s Affairs under Lango Cultural Institution, said Adupa was among clan members who participated in the March 1, 2024 election at Akii-Bua Stadium that saw Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune elected Won Nyaci of Lango.

He noted that Adupa, currently serving as Foreign Affairs Minister under Lango Cultural Foundation, was relieved of his duties as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of Owumolao clan after associating with the rival outfit. Otim added that any actions undertaken by Adupa are personal and do not represent the clan’s position, stressing that the Owumolao clan remains loyal to Odongo Okune and has no links with Lango Cultural Foundation.

Speaking on Wednesday at Lango Cultural Centre in Lira City, Otim said the clan does not want to be dragged into confusion, noting that it has benefited from the existing cultural institution.

The dispute follows recent comments by Adupa during an appearance on Oroma TV, where he reportedly said it was the right time for interested candidates to express interest in the position of Won Nyaci. He indicated that a High Court ruling in Lira had, in his view, reopened the process for fresh elections, adding that the Lango Cultural Foundation had already initiated plans to organise new elections in line with its 2017 constitution.

However, in remarks reported by ‘The Lango Prime Online Publication’ on Friday, Adupa rejected claims that he had been sacked from his clan role and instead accused Otim of overstaying in office. He maintained that Otim’s tenure had expired and revealed that he had written to him on September 17, 2025, formally notifying him of the end of his term and urging him to organise fresh elections.

Adupa further explained that under Owumolao clan laws, the Speaker of the clan council assumes leadership of the Awitong office during the transition period pending the election of a new chief. He was supported by clan council member Raymond Ongom, who emphasised that the law requires elections every five years and limits a chief to a maximum of two terms, adding that once a chief is removed, the Speaker assumes authority to make appointments or dismissals.

When contacted for comment, Otim denied ever receiving Adupa’s letter and dismissed the claims as unnecessary drama. He reiterated that the clan is already preparing for fresh elections and questioned the legitimacy of the position Adupa claims to hold, arguing that such a role does not exist within the clan structure and that Adupa had only been appointed in a temporary capacity.