Lira – A bitter leadership wrangle has erupted within the Okadameri Clan following the controversial swearing-in of Francis Orech Oculi as the new Clan Chief—an act cultural leaders have strongly condemned as illegitimate and divisive.The ceremony, held yesterday at Future Prospect in Lira City, was reportedly organized by a faction claiming to act in the clan’s interest. However, senior clan figures have swiftly rejected the move, asserting that no lawful election was conducted to justify Oculi’s appointment.Maj. (Rtd) Fred Gawera, who was appointed to act as interim Clan Chief in the absence of the official leader, Jimmy Anthony Oyuku, expressed outrage over the development. “Since our rightful chief left the country, no election has been held. The event was unconstitutional and aimed at destabilizing our unity,” Gawera told Northern Dailys.He stressed that the people behind the swearing-in lacked any legal mandate to install a leader, accusing them of creating a rift within the clan. “They are driving us toward disunity. That’s why we’re preparing a transparent election where every eligible member will have a voice,” he added.Gawera further revealed that he holds all official clan instruments—including the stamp, emblem, and constitution—which were entrusted to him by Chief Oyuku prior to his departure. He linked the escalating tensions to unresolved issues surrounding the “Won-nyachi” title, a traditional matter that continues to cause internal strife.Supporting Gawera’s remarks, Solomon Ocen, Speaker of the Okadameri Clan and a former aide to Oyuku, distanced himself from the ceremony. “We are not part of this confusion. Such actions risk deepening divisions and have already led to intermarriages among close relatives, bringing serious health risks like sickle cell,” he warned.Both leaders urged calm and patience, promising that due process will soon be followed to elect a legitimate Clan Chief.Efforts to reach Francis Orech Oculi for comment were unsuccessful by press time.
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