BY DANIEL BAMPOE
Barely a year after the death of Ghanaian Highlife legend Daddy Lumba, a fresh family confrontation has erupted over who has the legitimate authority to organise activities marking the first anniversary of the music icon’s passing, exposing deep divisions that continue to threaten the unity of his family and the preservation of his legacy.
The latest dispute has pitted Victor Kofi Owusu, popularly known as Abusuapanyin Tupac, against another faction of the Ekuona family led by Nana Kwabena Brefo, with both sides laying claim to the right to oversee family affairs relating to the late musician.
The disagreement comes as preparations gather momentum for the first anniversary of Daddy Lumba’s death on July 26, 2026, a date many fans across Ghana and beyond are expected to commemorate in honour of one of the country’s greatest Highlife musicians.
Abusuapanyin Tupac, who previously served as head of the Ekuona family, announced that arrangements for the anniversary celebration were already underway.
According to him, the programme will include customary widowhood rites for one of Daddy Lumba’s recognised surviving spouses, Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni.
He appealed to all members of the family to put aside their differences and allow the commemoration to proceed peacefully, insisting that the occasion should celebrate Daddy Lumba’s extraordinary contribution to Ghanaian music rather than become another platform for internal conflicts.
“The most important thing is to honour the memory and legacy of Daddy Lumba, not to allow personal interests and disagreements to take centre stage,” he stated.
However, the planned anniversary has immediately run into stiff opposition from another faction of the family headed by Nana Kwabena Brefo, which has openly rejected Abusuapanyin Tupac’s involvement in organising any activities connected to the late musician.
The opposing group insists that Victor Kofi Owusu no longer has the authority to act on behalf of the family, maintaining that he was removed from his position as family head and that legal proceedings concerning the leadership of the Ekuona family are still pending before the courts.
According to the faction, no official approval has been granted for any anniversary celebration in Daddy Lumba’s name.
They further warned that no individual or organisation has the legal or customary right to use the late musician’s name, image or the “DL” brand for public events without the consent of the recognised family leadership.
The group also questioned plans to perform widowhood rites for Odo Broni, arguing that the family has not formally commenced any customary processes that would justify such ceremonies.
Adding another layer to the controversy, the faction renewed concerns about the location of Daddy Lumba’s final resting place, claiming that several close relatives have still not been officially informed where the Highlife legend was buried.
The anniversary dispute is only the latest chapter in the prolonged family conflicts that have dominated headlines since Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, died on July 26, 2025, at The Bank Hospital in Cantonments after a short illness at the age of 60.
His death triggered one of the most widely publicised family disputes in Ghana’s entertainment history. Disagreements quickly emerged over funeral arrangements, the handling of his remains, administration of his estate, recognition of his surviving spouses, and the leadership of the Ekuona family.
The burial itself became the subject of legal proceedings after members of the musician’s biological family challenged aspects of the funeral arrangements and sought court intervention before he was eventually buried on December 13, 2025, following the dismissal of an injunction application by the Accra High Court.
Separate court battles have also centred on the marital status of Daddy Lumba, with legal proceedings involving Akosua Serwaa and Priscilla Ofori over recognition as surviving spouses. Those cases continue to influence the administration of the late musician’s estate.
Questions surrounding family leadership have further deepened divisions within the Ekuona family, resulting in competing claims over who has the customary authority to represent the family in matters concerning Daddy Lumba’s estate and legacy.
Amid the latest controversy, Abusuapanyin Tupac has dismissed allegations that his involvement is motivated by a desire to benefit from the late musician’s wealth.
Speaking in an interview with veteran Highlife musician Slimbuster, he insisted that his only interest is to restore peace among Daddy Lumba’s wives, children and extended family so they can collectively safeguard the legacy left behind by the celebrated musician.
“I don’t want anything; all I want is peace. I want everyone to come together so that we can support the women and children. I want all the children to be united,” he said.
According to him, the ongoing divisions have made it difficult for him to maintain relationships with all of Daddy Lumba’s children because some family members avoid him due to the persistent disagreements.
“Because of what is happening, I’m unable to meet with all the children because if I meet with one, the next person will avoid me. I’m pleading with everyone to cease fire, come together and let’s find a way forward,” he appealed.
Abusuapanyin Tupac further rejected suggestions that he is seeking control over Daddy Lumba’s estate, stressing that his role is solely intended to promote reconciliation.
“It is not because of Daddy Lumba’s money that I am actively playing the role of a family head. My only aim is to ensure that his children and wives are united so they can properly manage his properties and preserve his legacy,” he stated.
