By Grace Zigah
The long-standing family feud surrounding the funeral of Ghanaian highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu — popularly known as Daddy Lumba — has taken a decisive turn as the Kumasi High Court has dismissed an injunction application filed by a woman claiming to be his legitimate wife.
The application, filed by Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, sought to halt all funeral and burial activities for the late musician pending the resolution of a dispute over her marital status and rights as Lumba’s widow.
However, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the court, presided over by Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur, threw out the injunction, clearing the way for the family, led by Abusua Panin (family head) Agya Kofi Owusu, to proceed with preparations for the funeral.
Following the ruling, Abusua Panin Agya Kofi Owusu expressed relief and satisfaction, describing the judgment as a “victory for unity and tradition.”
He assured fans and sympathizers that the funeral will go ahead as planned on December 6, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, under his leadership.
German Embassy Confirms Marriage
Before the court’s decision, the dispute had intensified after the German Embassy in Accra confirmed that Ms. Akosua Serwaa is indeed the legally wedded wife of the late musician under German civil law.
In a consular letter dated October 27, 2025, and signed by Susan Lüdtke, the Embassy’s Second Secretary and Consul, it was confirmed that a valid marriage between Charles Kwadwo Fosu and Akosua Serwaa was solemnized at Bornheim, Germany, on December 23, 2004, and officially registered under Entry No. E142/2004.
The Embassy emphasized that the marriage “has not been dissolved by divorce but ended with the decease of the husband on 26 July 2025,” confirming Ms. Serwaa as the legitimate widow. A certified copy of the German marriage certificate was also attached to support her claim.
Legal and Family Battle
Despite the German Embassy’s confirmation, the Kumasi High Court ruled that the funeral arrangements, being a matter of custom and family tradition, could not be restrained by the injunction.
The court advised both parties to pursue any ownership or inheritance disputes separately without disrupting the funeral rites.
Ms. Serwaa had earlier accused the family of sidelining her in planning the funeral, alleging that she had not been consulted or recognized as the lawful spouse. Her suit also sought to prevent the family head, Kofi Owusu Fosu, from recognizing Priscilla Ofori, known publicly as Odo Broni, who also claims to have been married to the late artist.
