BALA TOWN COUNCIL – The Okarowok Atar clan has taken sweeping decisions to restructure its leadership and sever ties with the larger Lango cultural institution, following a high-stakes meeting on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Clan leaders and members gathered in force at Bala Town Council to officially swear in their newly elected leaders. However, the session quickly evolved into a major policy overhaul when the clan’s speaker, Ojok Irweny, took the floor.
In a series of unanimous voice votes, the assembly agreed to two landmark resolutions:
1. Extension of the clan head’s term from 5 years to 10 years.
2. Immediate withdrawal of the Okarowok Atar clan from the authority of Tekwaro Lango, led by Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, the Paramount Chief.
The members accused the Lango cultural leadership—specifically the Itogo council—of persistently belittling them. The frustration boiled over during Irweny’s speech, with members cheering loudly as each resolution was passed.
The clan head, James Ocen, widely known by his title Agipi, did not hide his anger. After being sworn in for what will effectively be a ten-year term, he launched a blistering attack on Dr. Odongo Okune’s administration.
“I am very annoyed with the leadership of Okune. When we appear before the Itogo, which is headed by Eton Rashid, we are harassed, abused, and humiliated,” Ocen Agipi told the gathered crowd.
He explained that the mistreatment had become unbearable. “They look down on us. For now, we will not be under Odongo Okune. We will focus on developing our own clan, our own way.”
As the clan head finished his statement, a wave of cheers and clapping swept through Bala Town Council. Many Okarowok Atar members rose to their feet, chanting in agreement. Several elders who spoke to this reporter confirmed that the decision to leave the Tekwaro Lango structure was not impulsive but had been discussed for months behind closed doors.
“We are not children. We deserve respect,” one elder said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “If the Itogo cannot treat us with dignity, we will walk alone.”
The move is a significant blow to the Tekwaro Lango institution, which has been working to consolidate clans under Dr. Odongo Okune’s leadership. It remains unclear whether the Paramount Chief’s office will recognize the secession or take disciplinary action against the Okarowok Atar clan.
Attempts to reach Eton Rashid, head of the Itogo, or a representative for Dr. Odongo Okune were unsuccessful by press time.
For now, the Okarowok Atar clan has charted its own course—with James Ocen Agipi at the helm for the next decade
