Tensions continue to mount over the burial of Ghanaian highlife legend, Daddy Lumba, as a group identifying themselves as the legal wives and husbands of Madam Akosua Serwaah, the late musician’s wife, have formally petitioned His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, former President John Dramani Mahama, and traditional leaders across the Ashanti Region. They are demanding intervention to ensure that the late icon receives a proper royal funeral in line with both cultural and family protocols.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Kumasi today, Mr. Emmanuel Degraft Adjei, spokesperson for “Team Legal Wives and Husbands,” described the burial as deeply distressing and irregular.
“Our appeal is rooted in respect for Daddy Lumba’s royal heritage,” Mr. Degraft Adjei said. “We cannot stand by while individuals such as Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odobroni, arrange his burial without consulting his legal family. Covering his face and withholding the location of his final resting place is unacceptable and violates both family and cultural norms.”
He further revealed that the family remains anguished over the lack of transparency. “Every day, Daddy Lumba continues to reveal himself to us. We owe him a farewell that honors his legacy with dignity and respect,” he added.
The spokesperson also criticized Abusua Panin Kofi Wusu and Priscilla Ofori for allegedly ignoring the wishes of the deceased’s legal family, asserting that their actions have caused immense emotional pain and confusion among those closest to the highlife icon.
Mr. Degraft Adjei further stated that the group intends to file an appeal regarding the judgement passed by the Accra High Court on the burial of Daddy Lumba, emphasizing that they will pursue all legal avenues to ensure transparency and justice.
Adding their voices, members of the Nana Afia Kobi lineage and some of the Team Legal Wives emphasized the need for both traditional authorities and state leaders to ensure that the final rites reflect Daddy Lumba’s royal ancestry and the monumental impact he had on Ghanaian music.
“We are not seeking conflict,” a family member said. “Our plea is for clarity, justice, and a befitting royal funeral that truly honors Daddy Lumba’s life and legacy.”
Daddy Lumba, whose career spanned decades of chart-topping highlife hits, leaves behind a cultural legacy that continues to inspire generations. As the controversy surrounding his burial unfolds, the family’s appeal has drawn national attention, placing the responsibility on both traditional and state authorities to uphold proper cultural and familial protocols.
