A High Court in Kumasi has adjourned to October 28, 2025, a case involving Akosua Serwaa, the wife of the late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.
She is seeking a court declaration recognizing her as the only surviving spouse and the sole person entitled to perform widowhood rites at his funeral.
Daddy Lumba passed away on July 26, 2025, with his final funeral rites scheduled for December 6, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. However, the pending legal challenge threatens to delay the widely anticipated ceremony.
The suit, filed by Akosua Serwaa, names Kofi Owusu Fosu, head of Lumba’s external family, and Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as “Odo Broni,” as defendants. The case centers on who has the right to organise the funeral and perform traditional widowhood rites.
During court proceedings on Thursday, October 16, lawyers for the defendants indicated they had filed a motion challenging the applicant’s legal capacity. The presiding judge, Her Ladyship Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur, however, declined to hear the objection, stating it was not properly before the court.
Counsel for the plaintiff, William Kusi, argued that the day’s business was to move the injunction application already filed. After hearing both sides, Justice Smith Arthur adjourned the case and urged both parties to seek an amicable resolution, adding that the matter would be given priority if it proceeds to a full hearing.
The court directed all parties to file their responses within 14 days, noting that the case would resume thereafter. Counsel for the defendants also confirmed a conditional appearance motion had been filed, pending the substantive hearing.
Speaking to the media after the hearing, William Kusi said he does not expect the matter to drag into December, warning that further delays could affect the funeral schedule.
“We’re committed to protecting the integrity of Lumba. We’re ready to ensure the date for the funeral comes on,” he stated.
In her application, Akosua Serwaa is seeking a court order restraining Odo Broni from publicly presenting herself as the surviving wife of the late musician.
She maintains that she was legally married to Daddy Lumba and that neither she nor her children were consulted before the family announced the funeral date, which they reportedly discovered through social media.
Akosua Serwaa argues that her marriage to the late artist remained valid at the time of his death and that she alone should perform the customary widowhood rites. She claims that family head Kofi Owusu Fosu had informed her she would not be allowed to do so, and that Odo Broni — who allegedly claims to have been married to Lumba and to have children with him — would be permitted instead.
The plaintiff insists this move is unlawful and disrespectful, asserting that Odo Broni was never legally married to the late musician. She argues that unless the court intervenes, she will be unjustly denied her rightful position as the legally recognised spouse of the late highlife icon.
