Nana Yaw Akuoko Otumfuo’s Assinhene has waded into the growing controversy surrounding the burial of the late Highlife legend Daddy Lumba.
He has unequivocally stated that the legendary musician’s remains legally and traditionally belong to his family, not his wife.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with SeanCity TV, the chief stated emphatically that although the late musician’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa, may have legitimate concerns if her husband’s properties were being shared without her knowledge, she has no authority over decisions regarding his funeral and burial arrangements.
His comments come amid reports that Daddy Lumba’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa, has filed a writ at the Kumasi High Court seeking an injunction to stop the musician’s funeral, which has been scheduled for December 6, 2025, in Kumasi.
According to her court filings, Akosua Serwaa claims she was legally married to Daddy Lumba under German law in 2004, making her his only surviving spouse.
Also, it has been revealed that she is asking the court to declare her the sole widow and restrain the musician’s family and his widely known second wife, Priscilla Ofori Atta, popularly known as Odo Broni, from organising the funeral or performing any widowhood rites.
The Assinhene, however, believes such legal claims cannot override Ghanaian customs when it comes to burial matters.
“The laws she’s referring to may apply in Germany, where she married him, but they do not automatically apply here in Ghana, especially when it involves a customary or chieftaincy issue,” he said.
He further cautioned that while the public must respect the grieving widow’s emotions, it is important to remember that Ghana’s customary laws place burial and funeral decisions squarely in the hands of the abusua (family).
Meanwhile, the late musician’s family head, Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu Boahen, has denied that any injunction has been served, insisting that preparations for the funeral are ongoing.
