By Mike Rwothomio

In a landmark intervention steeped in Alur custom and tradition, the Alur Kingdom has brought to a peaceful close a prolonged succession scramble in Abira Chiefdom, paving the way for the rightful hereditary heir to ascend the throne.

According to longstanding Alur traditional governance, where leadership of chiefdoms follows the sacred hereditary lineage, the Alur Kingdom deployed its alternative dispute resolution mechanism rooted in ancestral justice systems to settle the feud that had divided the Abira clans for decades.

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, hundreds of subjects from Abira and allied sub-clans gathered at Abira East Ward, Uthuma Cell, in a grand assembly to witness the historic ruling.

The Ker Alur delegation was led by the Kingdom’s Prime Minister (Jadipu), Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, accompanied by senior chiefs and members of the Atyak Royal Council.

After a thorough review of the chiefdom’s oral history and genealogy, it was confirmed that the rightful successor is Prince Opio Louis Jayelu, son of the late Chief Marcello Jayelu.

He has been declared the legitimate heir and will henceforth be known as Chief Opio Jayelu II, pending full traditional enstoolment as Nyaluo (Rwoth) of Abira.

Historical Lineage of Abira Chiefdom

Abira Jupa-Jalangu Chiefdom, located in present-day Zombo Town Council, traces its roots to Jalangu, one of the sons of Rwoth Ubimu Alworunga. During the colonial era, Jalangu ruled over Abira and several clans.

He was succeeded by his son Ajeny, who in turn was followed by Marcello Jayelu.Decades ago, the legitimate chief at the time abdicated and relocated to the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, where he passed away in 1991.

In his absence, the chiefdom was stewarded by a series of acting chiefs:Onen-Rwoth Amos , Odongo Melki ,Akusa Ongei.

Upon the return of Opio Louis Jayelu to reclaim his ancestral stool, a dispute arose with Dokcen Gilbert, son of the late acting chief Melki Odongo, who had also laid claim to the position.

Prince Opio Jayelu formally petitioned the Ker Alur for mediation under the Alur Traditional Justice System.

He rallied support from the constituent sub-clans of the chiefdom: Palei Uyenyiri, Payila Makusene, Palei Jupugoru, Palei Jupangule, Palei Uloi, and Jupajalugwaru.

Unanimous Verdict

During the mediation chaired by Jadipu Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, the gathering unanimously affirmed Prince Opio Louis Jayelu as the rightful Jayelu II, true son of the late Chief Jayelu I.

Speaking on behalf of His Majesty the King, Prince Opar Angala urged the new chief-elect and the Abira people to expedite the traditional installation rituals so that Abira Chiefdom can be formally recognised and registered within the Ker Alur fold.

“We are preparing to officially install him traditionally as Nyaluo of Abira,” said Prince Opar Angala. “You need to work together, avoid wrangles and be as one. Share responsibilities in a way that unity and peace prevail.”

The Jadipu emphasised the virtues of love, togetherness, and collective development, warning against disunity that could undermine the chiefdom’s progress.

His remarks were met with nods of approval from the large crowd of satisfied subjects.

Chief-elect Opio Jayelu II welcomed the verdict and pledged to work harmoniously with all clans to foster development.

The former acting chief, Dokcen Gilbert Odongo, also accepted the resolution in the spirit of Alur brotherhood.

With this ruling, Abira Chiefdom officially joins the fold as a fully recognised entity under its legitimate Rwoth, increasing the number of chiefdoms under the Alur Kingdom from 64-65.

Alur Kingdom Prime Minister (Jadipu), Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, poses for a group photograph with Abira elders, members of the Atyak Royal Council, Ker Alur chiefs, and other clansmen who attended a mediation meeting to resolve the longstanding chieftaincy dispute on Saturday, 20 June 2026.

Seated (left to right): an Abira elder; Jadipu Prince Lawrence Opar Angala (holding a fly-whisk); Rwoth Ubekire Jalngidhu of Aringu Chiefdom; Rwoth Chombe Santino Jalsinda of Okayu Chiefdom; Rwoth Richard Jalbonyo of Okiyu Chiefdom; Prince Harry Okello, a member of the Royal Council; and Geoffrey Okeca, Jadipu of Arikpa Chiefdom.

The Chief-elect of Abira Chiefdom, Opio Louis Jayelu, seated during the mediation meeting by Ker Alur

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for African news trends and updates.