A high-profile dispute over funeral arrangements and widowhood rights for the late Ghanaian music star Daddy Lumba has moved to the Kumasi High Court.
According to GhanaRegions.com reporter, Lawyers representing his first wife, Akosua Serwaa, and Priscilla “Odo Broni” Ofori, both central figures in the controversy were photographed arriving for court proceedings, as Serwaa seeks a legal declaration of her status and an injunction on the funeral arrangements.
The case has split public opinion into vocal camps often described as “legal-wife” supporters versus “side-chick” supporters.
What’s happening in Kumasi High court
Who filed suit: Akosua Serwaa filed a suit at the Kumasi High Court challenging actions by members of Daddy Lumba’s family, a family head (Abusuapanin), Odo Broni, and a funeral home. Her filings ask the court to recognise her as the late singer’s legal wife and to place an interlocutory injunction on funeral preparations until the matter is resolved.
Court activity: Counsels for both women and other parties have been present at hearings in Kumasi. Public and media attention has followed lawyers’ arrivals and statements in court. The matter has been adjourned to a later date for further hearing.
Key legal issues at stake
Marital status and legal recognition, Serwaa seeks a formal judicial finding that she is the deceased’s lawful wife, which would influence who has the legal authority to organise certain funeral rites and inherit rights.
Interlocutory injunction on funeral arrangements — The filing requests the court halt funeral and rite arrangements until the substantive questions about who is entitled to perform rites and make decisions are resolved.
Who represents the family? — The role of the family head and the funeral home in proceeding with rites and public statements is also being contested.
Timeline (based on public reporting)
26 July 2025: Daddy Lumba passed away.
2 October 2025: Akosua Serwaa filed suit at Kumasi High Court challenging funeral arrangements and seeking declarations about her marital status.
Mid-October 2025: Court proceedings begin; lawyers for Akosua Serwaa and for Odo Broni and other family parties appear at the Kumasi High Court. The case received extensive media coverage and was adjourned with a further hearing date set.
Public reaction: “legal-wife team” vs “side-chick team”
The dispute has sparked intense public debate across social media and broadcast platforms. Two dominant narratives have emerged:
Team Legal Wife (Akosua Serwaa supporters): Stress the need for legal process to determine marital status and enforce a lawful widow’s rights. They emphasise documentation and the rule of law.
Team Odo Broni / Family (others): Some fans and family supporters argue customary practices, longstanding relationships, or family decisions give certain people roles in rites. Media clips capture strong emotions on both sides.
Both camps use social media heavily, sharing court footage, legal commentary, and appeals to cultural norms, which keeps the story trending and intensifies scrutiny of court filings.
What to watch next
Court rulings on the interlocutory injunction, If the court grants an injunction it will pause funeral actions that are the subject of the suit. If refused, arrangements may proceed while the substantive case continues.
Evidence presented about marital status: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, embassy/official records and witness testimony are likely to be key. Reports indicate some parties have already referenced documentation in public statements.
Family and community mediation attempts: Given the cultural importance of funerals in Asante/Akan practice, there may be attempts at out-of-court settlement or traditional mediation alongside court processes.
Quotes from coverage
“Counsels for the two widows of the late Highlife icon Daddy Lumba have been spotted arriving at the Kumasi High Court for the second day of hearings.”
“Akosua Serwaa filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction on the funeral and a legal declaration that she was Daddy Lumba’s sole spouse.”
FAQ
Q: Who filed the case?
A: Akosua Serwaa filed the case at the Kumasi High Court challenging funeral arrangements and seeking court declarations about her status and rights.
Q: Has the court stopped the funeral?
A: The court has heard applications and adjourned the matter; an injunction was sought — future rulings will determine whether funeral actions are paused.
Q: Why is public opinion split?
A: The matter touches on legal, cultural and emotional issues — who has the right to perform widowhood rites and organise funerals — which has divided fans and community members into competing camps.
