By Alele Ronald Ongwech
Lango Sub Region — Benjamin Okii, revered clan head of the Okii Bura clan, has called on fellow traditional leaders to embrace voluntary service and prioritize communal progress over personal interests. His impassioned plea came during an exclusive interview held on Sunday, where he underscored the critical role of selfless leadership in fostering unity and development.
Addressing the media at his home in Lira City, Okii emphasized that clan leaders must act as “custodians of trust” rather than rulers seeking personal gain. “Our duty is to uplift our people, not exploit them,” he stated. “When we set aside greed and focus on nurturing education, infrastructure, and healthcare, we secure the future of our clans for generations.”
Okii’s Okii Bura clan has gained recognition for grassroots initiatives in agriculture and youth mentorship. He shared examples of how collaborative efforts have transformed his community and criticized leaders who divert clan resources for private benefit, warning that such actions breed mistrust and hinder progress. “A clan divided by self-interest cannot thrive. True leadership means listening, sacrificing, and walking alongside our members,” he added.
Okii’s address highlighted broader challenges facing Lango’s clans, including urbanization, youth unemployment, and land disputes. He urged leaders to modernize their approaches while preserving cultural heritage and advocated for partnerships with local governments and NGOs to drive development. Additionally, Okii challenged his peers to lead by example: “Let history remember us not for wealth accumulated, but for lives transformed.”
Context on Lango Leadership
It’s worth noting that Benjamin Okii has been involved in the Lango paramount chief dispute. In August, rival clan heads denounced Odur and appointed Benjamin Okii as parallel Lango paramount chief, highlighting the ongoing leadership wrangles in the region .