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.
Family and Children React
The decision has further deepened divisions within the Lumba family. While the family head insists the funeral must proceed to “honor the memory of a national treasure,” supporters of Ms. Serwaa maintain that the court’s ruling does not invalidate her marital status or rights as a widow.
In a statement signed by Charlyn Fosuh, one of Lumba’s children, the family’s younger generation distanced themselves from the legal tussle, appealing for calm and mutual respect. “We only want to celebrate our father’s legacy in a peaceful and dignified way,” the statement read.
Underlying Disputes Over Estate
Beyond the funeral controversy, the family remains divided over the management and distribution of Daddy Lumba’s estate. The assets in contention include houses in Bornheim (Germany), Tantra Hill, Dome, North Legon, and plots of land in Adoato, Kumasi.
Ms. Serwaa maintains that these properties were jointly acquired and should remain under the control of the nuclear family, while some members of the extended family argue that traditional Akan inheritance laws entitle them to a portion of the estate.
Calls for Probe into Musician’s Death
Adding to the complexity, Ernestina Fosu, the late musician’s sister, has demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death in July 2025. She alleges inconsistencies in reports and accuses some relatives of exploiting the situation for financial gain.
Despite these tensions, preparations for the funeral continue. The family, under the guidance of Abusua Panin Agya Kofi Owusu, has vowed to give the music icon a befitting farewell that reflects his contribution to Ghana’s highlife music and cultural heritage.
As it stands, while the court’s decision has momentarily brought clarity to the funeral arrangements, the battle over Daddy Lumba’s legacy — both emotional and material — appears far from over.
