A brewing family feud over who is the legal wife of late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has spilt into the courtroom, casting a shadow over his planned funeral.
A Kumasi High Court has adjourned to October 28, 2025, the case filed by the musician’s wife, Akosua Serwaa, who is seeking a declaration that she is Daddy Lumba’s only surviving spouse and the sole person entitled to perform the sacred widowhood rites at his funeral.
The family has announced December 6, 2025, as the date for the final funeral rites of the iconic singer. However, the ongoing legal battle threatens to disrupt these arrangements.
Legal Showdown in Kumasi
The case, presided over by Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur on Thursday, October 16, saw lawyers representing the family head, Kofi Owusu Fosu, and Priscilla Ofori, also known as ‘Odo Broni’, challenge Akosua Serwaa’s right to bring the case before the court.
The plaintiff’s legal team strongly objected to the challenge, insisting that the court should first consider their request for an injunction to stop Odo Broni from publicly presenting herself as the late musician’s widow.
While adjourning the case to allow the parties to file the necessary documents, the judge encouraged both sides to seek an amicable settlement, noting that the court would give the matter priority if they chose to continue the legal battle.
Widowhood Rights at the Heart of the Dispute
Akosua Serwaa claims to be Daddy Lumba’s only legally wedded wife, and in her suit, she is asking the court to restrain Odo Broni from performing widowhood rites or presenting herself publicly as the musician’s surviving spouse.
She maintains that her marriage to the legendary singer was legally binding at the time of his death, and as such, she is entitled by law and tradition to carry out the customary rites.
Court documents reveal that the family head, Kofi Owusu Fosu, allegedly informed Akosua Serwaa that she would not be permitted to perform the traditional widowhood rites—a role typically reserved for the legitimate spouse. Adding to the tension, Odo Broni reportedly emerged after Daddy Lumba’s passing, claiming she was married to him and had children with him.
Plaintiff Seeks Court’s Protection
Akosua Serwaa alleges that the family head intends to allow Odo Broni to perform the rites, a move she believes is unlawful and contrary to tradition. Her lawyer, Williams Kusi, speaking to the media, said: “It is the posture of the head of the family that caused this legal tussle. If letters are written to you denying you of your right as a wife, you can’t just sleep and let it pass by. We are committed to protecting the integrity of Lumba, and we are ready to work within time to ensure that the funeral comes on the scheduled date.”
She contends that without the court’s intervention, she will face an “unlawful and unjust” denial of her spousal rights, leaving her sidelined during her late husband’s final rites.
