The High Court in Kumasi has dismissed Akosua Serwaa Fosuh’s request for recognition as the only valid surviving spouse of the late highlife icon Daddy Lumba.
The decision of the Court, presided over by Justice Dorinda Smith-Arthur, is that Priscilla Ofori Atta, popularly known as Odo Broni, and Akosua Serwaa Fosuh are both legal wives of the late icon.
The judgment of the Court, until it stands challenged, brings to an end months of legal battles and public controversy over who holds the rightful status of widow.
The judgment of the Court delivered on Friday November 28, 2025, also means that both women are permitted to perform the widowhood rites and participate fully in funeral and estate-related matters.
Although the court’s full reasoning is set to be released on December 1, the Court noted that Akosua Serwaa did not provide an original certified copy of the civil marriage certificate she claimed to have contracted with the musician in 2004 in Bornheim, Germany.
The Court also observed that the documents submitted were extracts, not true certified originals, and that the Plaintiff (Akosua Serwaa) cannot be said to be the only surviving spouse of Daddy Lumba.
The decision of the High Court suggests that Priscilla Ofori, a known wife of Daddy Lumba, is also legally a wife of the deceased and holds rights under the law as a spouse of the late musician.
The Court said that certified copies of the judgment would be available on December 1, 2025.
Background
Following Daddy Lumba’s death on July 26, 2025, a bitter dispute erupted between the two women, who both claimed to be his lawful spouse.
On October 3, 2025, Akosua Serwaa Fosuh filed a suit seeking a declaration that she was the sole legal widow, arguing that a civil marriage contracted abroad superseded any other marital claims.
She also asked the court to restrain the head of the musician’s extended family, Kofi Owusu Fosu, and co-defendant Odo Broni from performing any widowhood or funeral rites.
The defence, however, countered that Serwaa’s marriage had been customarily dissolved when she allegedly returned the “head drinks,” a traditional act symbolising separation.
They further argued that Odo Broni, who lived with the musician for more than 15 years and had six children with him, was the rightful spouse under customary law.
Proceedings in Court
During the hearing on November 25, 2025, the court examined notary-certified German documents that Serwaa submitted to prove the civil marriage.
The defence challenged the authenticity of the paperwork, citing inconsistencies in font styles and notary signatures, and condemned the late submission as evidence introduced “at the eleventh hour.”
Presiding Judge Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur noted that under Ghanaian family law, civil and customary marriages operate independently, meaning the existence of one does not invalidate the other.
This observation opened the legal door for recognising multiple valid marital claims.
The Verdict
In its final judgment, the Court held that both women should be recognised as spouses of Daddy Lumba, granting them marital rights, recognition in funeral and estate matters, and the authority to participate in widowhood rites.
The decision effectively ends the prolonged dispute and is expected to facilitate preparations for the late musician’s funeral.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
