BY Daniel Bampoe
In a landmark judgment that brings clarity to months of public controversy, the Kumasi High Court has formally recognised both Priscilla Ofori Atta, popularly known as Odo Broni, and Akosua Serwaa Fosuh as legitimate spouses of the late Ghanaian highlife icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, widely celebrated as Daddy Lumba.
The ruling, delivered on Friday, November 28, 2025, marks a significant turning point in a long-running legal battle that intensified shortly after the musician’s death on July 26, 2025.
The dispute has dominated national conversation, fuelled by conflicting claims, leaked documents, and courtroom confrontations over marriage validity, funeral rights, and control of the late star’s estate.
A Dispute That Began At The Morgue
Following Daddy Lumba’s passing, disagreements immediately surfaced among his close relations.
Two women—Akosua Serwaa, who has long been known as his partner in Germany, and Odo Broni, widely recognised in Ghana as his companion in his final years—both claimed the status of legal wife.
This contention quickly escalated into a full-blown legal war over:
Who should perform widowhood rites
Who should speak for the family in funeral matters
Who is entitled to inheritance rights and representation
Which marriage—if any—was valid under Ghanaian law
The dispute complicated funeral planning and forced the High Court to intervene before any final burial rites could be held.
Court’s Findings: No Original Certificate, No Exclusive Claim
In its ruling, the court addressed one of the most contentious issues—
Akosua Serwaa’s claim that she had a civil marriage with Daddy Lumba in Europe.
According to the court:
Akosua Serwaa failed to produce an original marriage certificate.
The document she tendered was an extract, not a certified copy.
Without proper certification, the court could not rely on the document to confirm a legally binding civil marriage.
Given the lack of conclusive evidence from Serwaa—combined with undisputed evidence of Lumba’s long-term relationship with Odo Broni—the court ruled that both women must be regarded as legitimate spouses, each holding marital rights under customary and relational circumstances.
This effectively ends the debate over who qualifies as the “real widow” of the late musician.
Ruling
With this declaration, the High Court has set a precedent in marital dispute cases involving prominent personalities. The recognition of two spouses means:
1. Shared Widowhood Rites
Both women will have the legal right to participate in and perform widowhood rites when the funeral date is settled.
2. Joint Stake in Inheritance and Estate Decisions
The judgment positions both spouses as stakeholders in the division of:
Property
Royalties
Business assets
Intellectual property belonging to Daddy Lumba
3. Resolution of Months of Tension
The ruling is expected to reduce tensions within the family, where factions had formed in support of either woman, hindering the planning of the musician’s burial.
What Happens Next?
The funeral of the legendary musician has already been delayed for months due to the ongoing legal tussle.
The High Court ruling now clears one of the major obstacles in determining
Who leads widowhood rites
How his estate will be managed
The structure of the final funeral arrangements
Family insiders say the judgment is likely to influence another pending case concerning the rightful performing family, as well as the High Court case regarding the disputed December 13 funeral date announced without the family’s approval.
Public Reaction And Media Attention
The ruling has stirred widespread public debate, given Daddy Lumba’s towering status in the entertainment landscape.
Social media has been flooded with commentary, with many expressing relief that the legal clarity will allow the family to focus on honouring the musician’s legacy rather than internal conflict.
The High Court’s decision to recognise both Akosua Serwaa and Odo Broni as legitimate spouses of Daddy Lumba is a historic resolution to an emotionally charged and highly publicised dispute.
