The MP Kwania County Hon. Tonny Ayo has dismissed as false and unfounded claims that he is among the five MPs from the Lango sub region who are out to disorganize the planned historical coronation of the Lango Paramount Chief also known as Won Nyaci Me Lango Eng Dr Michael Moses Odongo Okune slated for 2nd November, 2024.
Eng Dr Odongo Okune an acclaimed civil engineer was elected on 1st March, 2024 when the people of Lango witnessed for the first time such an event since the 16th century when Lango migrated from Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and settled in the current sub region.
There have been concerns that Hon Tonny Ayo is working clandestinely to fuel conflict in Lango where the people are yearning for unity, peace and reconciliation for meaningful growth and development to take shape.
Hon Ayo is being accused alongside four other politicians, including a politically-faded former minister, a noisy NRM MP, and one lukewarm opposition female MP to organize a series of negative activities aimed at disrupting the highly billed coronation.
Among the activities include staging an illegal election of another paramount chief on 11th October, 2024, which they want to give wide publicity on mainstream media and social media platforms to dissuade Ugandans from attending the function.
Reports suggest that the Ayo group is behind a handful of disgruntled clan chiefs like Ambassador Dickson Ogwang-Okul, Benjamin Okii, Dr Richard Nam, Dr Dan Okello and Sam Engola who are yet to come to terms that Lango now have a new Won Nyaci effective 2nd November, 2024.
The other alleged plans include sponsoring and staging an illegal election of another paramount chief on October 11, 2024, spreading bad publicity to deter President Yoweri Museveni’s attendance and sponsoring demonstrations to create chaos.
One other thing is also to sponsor a series of political-like demonstrations in Lira City ahead of the ceremony to provoke security agencies, especially the police to cause arrests of some people as suspects to create an ugly situation.
However, in a bold response, Hon Tony Ayo denies the allegation and has challenged those with evidence to come forth.
“…to be honest with you, am not even following what’s going on, I have been locked up in so many things that i have not gotten time to even think of heading a campaign against coronation of Dr Odongo Okune…,” he explains and described as baseless attacks and fights against him by some idle minds.
The lawmaker has challenged his accusers to provide evidence to back up their claims saying he has not taken side with either the Won Nyaci-elect or the so called rebel groups who refer to themselves as minority because they have less than a dozen clan chiefs.
However, Tony Ayo who is also the NRM Chief Whip/Deputy Coordinator PLU for Lango maintains hits back saying his accusers who lack even a milligram of millimeter of truth in their claims are weak-minded people who fear their own shadows.
Many have wondered why Hon Tony Ayo known as an amiable person and politician would choose to antagonize a cultural body which is going to unite the people of Lango and facilitate the promotion and preservation of the culture amidst the rapid social changes currently sweeping the sub region and country.
This comes against a backdrop of heightened preparations by the various committees headed by the National Coronation Committee headed by cool-headed Government Chief Whip/Ajuri County MP Hon Denis Hamson Obua
The coronation of the Lango Paramount Chief on 2nd November marks a significant milestone in Lango’s history, ushering in a new era characterized by unity, growth and development and cultural shifts that will leave a lasting impact on the course of history.
Analysts say the coronation signifies renewed cultural identity and unity among the Lango, revitalization of traditional institutions and governance, enhanced recognition and representation for the sub region.
According to the Speaker, locally known as Wontok of Council of Owitong Willy Kagere Omodo-Omodo, the epoch-making event that will be remembered as a turning point in Lango’s history, shaping the sub region’s future and inspiring generations to come.
“…this is the Lango renaissance, the real Won Nyaci era, the new Lango order, the era of unity and progress, and we are doing this for our children and posterity, so let’s embrace it wholeheartedly…”,Omodo-Omodo who also heads Pedi Wiibye Acel clan remarked.
Omodo-Omodo has urged fellow clan leaders and other leaders to restrain from fueling a cultural schism in Lango, saying the number one enemy for the people is poverty, which requires a concerted effort from everyone.
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