The Kumasi High Court has adjourned to October 28, 2025, a case filed by Akosua Serwaa, the wife of the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba, who is seeking a declaration as the only surviving spouse entitled to perform widowhood rites at his upcoming funeral.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away on July 26, 2025, with his final funeral rites scheduled for December 6, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
However, the court case could potentially affect the planned funeral arrangements.
The legal action, filed by Akosua Serwaa, is directed against Kofi Owusu Fosu, the head of the late musician’s external family, and Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni.
The dispute centres on who is entitled to perform the widowhood rites and who holds authority over aspects of the funeral and matters following the musician’s death.
During court proceedings on Thursday, October 16, lawyers for the defendants informed the court that they had filed an objection challenging the plaintiff’s legal capacity to bring the matter before the court.
However, the presiding judge, Her Ladyship Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur, declined to entertain the objection, stating that the issue was not properly before the court.
Counsel for the plaintiff, William Kusi, opposed the objection, arguing that the matter scheduled for the day was the hearing of an injunction application already filed.
After hearing both sides, Justice Smith Arthur adjourned the case to October 28 and encouraged both parties to resolve the matter amicably.
She, however, assured that the case would be given priority if it proceeds to a full hearing.
Lawyers for the defendants also informed the court that they had filed a conditional appearance motion, pending the determination of the substantive case.
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The court subsequently directed all parties to file their responses within 14 days.
Speaking after the proceedings, Mr. Kusi expressed hope that the case would be concluded before December to avoid disrupting the funeral plans.
“We’re committed to protecting the integrity of Lumba. We’re ready to ensure the date for the funeral comes on,” he said.
Plaintiff’s Claim
Akosua Serwaa is seeking a court order restraining Odo Broni from publicly presenting herself as the surviving wife of the late musician.
She maintains that she is legally married to Daddy Lumba and that the marriage remained valid and binding until his death.
She further alleges that neither she nor her children were consulted by the family before the funeral date was announced — information they reportedly discovered through social media.
According to the plaintiff, family head Kofi Owusu Fosu told her she would not be allowed to perform the widowhood rites — a role traditionally reserved for a legal spouse.
She contends that this decision is unlawful and violates her rights as Lumba’s legally recognised wife.
Akosua Serwaa also alleges that after the musician’s death, Odo Broni surfaced, claiming to have been married to Daddy Lumba and to have children with him.
The plaintiff insists that Odo Broni was never legally married to the late singer and that allowing her to perform the widowhood rites would be invalid under the law.
She is therefore asking the court to intervene to prevent what she describes as an injustice and to affirm her rightful position as the only legally recognised spouse of the late highlife legend.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Justice Isaac Bediako
