BY Nadia Ntiamoah
A renewed wave of controversy has engulfed the family of the late highlife icon, Daddy Lumba, following a heated on-air confrontation between Evangelist Papa Shee and the family head, Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu, on UTV’s United Showbiz.
The disagreement, centred on conflicting funeral dates, has deepened internal divisions and prolonged the uncertainty surrounding the musician’s final funeral rites.
During the live programme, Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu firmly announced that the family had settled on December 13 for the funeral, a date he said was endorsed after consultations with the Manhyia Palace.
According to him, the arrangements had been finalised, and all necessary traditional procedures had been observed.
“The funeral will come on December 13,” he declared, insisting that this remains the legitimate date approved by the custodians of Ashanti customs.
But his announcement was met with fierce resistance from Evangelist Papa Shee, who claimed to be representing Daddy Lumba’s senior sister, Ernestina Akosua Fosu also known as Akosua Brempomaa, and a faction of the extended family.
Papa Shee dismissed the December 13 date entirely, arguing that his side preferred March 14. This marks the second time his faction has rejected a proposed date after earlier dismissing December 6.
Papa Shee justified the push for a later date by citing unresolved concerns, including questions surrounding the cause of the musician’s death, a child of the late singer currently writing examinations, and another child who reportedly lacks the travel documents needed to attend the funeral.
“We won’t allow the December 13 date,” he insisted, adding that the family must address these issues before any burial can proceed.
Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu responded sharply, accusing Papa Shee and an unnamed woman of orchestrating unnecessary conflict.
He emphasised that an autopsy had already been conducted and challenged Papa Shee to bring any medical expert to verify the results if he doubted their authenticity.
“I want Lumba buried. All these delays are coming from Papa Shee and the lady causing the problems,” he said, dismissing claims that Lumba’s children were unprepared and stressing that they were fully aware of the arrangements.
This latest clash comes in the wake of a Kumasi High Court ruling directing the family head to recognise both Akosua Serwaa and Priscilla Ofori as wives of the late musician and to allow them to perform widowhood rites.
The ruling followed a dispute instigated by Akosua Serwaa, who sought to be acknowledged as Daddy Lumba’s sole wife.
The internal battles surrounding the funeral have drawn public frustration, especially as fans continue to grieve the loss of a towering figure in Ghanaian music.
While Abusuapanin Owusu maintains that December 13 is final, Papa Shee’s faction remains unyielding, raising the likelihood of yet another standoff.
