Daddy Lumba’s family dispute over funeral and widowhood rites has moved to the Manhyia Palace after a sister invoked the Asante Great Oath (Ntam Kɛseɛ).
According to GhanaRegions.com analyst, the palace has summoned parties, levied customary fines, and clarified its authority. Meanwhile, reports claim Lumba sacked his manager, Roman Fada, before his death, a claim now central to the broader family feud.
Quick Summary
- A family member invoked the Asante Great Oath (Ntam Kɛseɛ) during a disagreement over Daddy Lumba’s funeral and widowhood rites.
- The invocation automatically placed the case under the jurisdiction of the Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Asantehene.
- Manhyia Palace has since summoned the parties, imposed customary fines, and scheduled hearings.
- Separately, claims surfaced that Daddy Lumba dismissed his long-time manager, Roman Fada, before his passing, a claim his family stands by but Roman Fada denies.
What the Dispute Is About
Following the death of Ghanaian music legend Daddy Lumba, tensions emerged within his extended family. Relatives disagreed over who should organize his funeral and perform widowhood rites.
A sister of the late musician took the unusual step of invoking the Asante Great Oath (Ntam Kɛseɛ) against another family member. This act elevated the private dispute to a royal matter, as such invocations automatically transfer jurisdiction to the Manhyia Palace for traditional adjudication.
Why Invoking the Great Oath Moves the Case to Manhyia
In Asante tradition, invoking the Great Oath is an extremely serious act. Once it is done:
- The case ceases to be an ordinary family or civil dispute and becomes one handled by the Asantehene’s court.
- The Manhyia Palace’s judicial council investigates and can impose customary fines, rituals, or reconciliatory measures.
- The purpose is not only to settle the dispute but to neutralize any spiritual consequences tied to the oath.
Because the Great Oath carries sacred weight, all involved parties are expected to honor the summons and submit to the Palace’s authority.
Manhyia Palace’s Intervention
- Summons: The Palace formally summoned representatives from both sides of the Lumba family to appear before traditional authorities.
- Customary Fines: Reports indicate that the family head was fined two sheep, a symbolic penalty meant to restore peace and respect for the oath.
- Adjournments: In cases where civil litigation overlaps with customary issues, Manhyia often pauses hearings until court matters are resolved. This ensures both systems operate without conflict.
- Guidance: The Palace has emphasized that cases brought under the Great Oath must be treated with reverence, urging families to settle disputes respectfully.
The Roman Fada Controversy
The Family’s Position
Members of Daddy Lumba’s family allege that before his passing, the musician ended his professional relationship with his manager, Roman Fada. They claim this decision was communicated directly and reflected in internal arrangements for Lumba’s estate and funeral planning.
Roman Fada’s Response
Roman Fada, however, has publicly denied being dismissed. He insists his relationship with Lumba remained strong until the end and says rumors of his “sacking” are false.
The conflicting narratives have deepened mistrust among relatives and associates, influencing the broader dispute about who should manage Lumba’s funeral and musical legacy.
Timeline of Events
- Daddy Lumba passes away, and preparations for his funeral begin.
- Disagreements surface over who represents the family and who should lead funeral arrangements.
- A sister of the late musician invokes the Great Oath, transferring the matter to the Manhyia Palace.
- Manhyia Palace summons the parties and imposes customary fines.
- Parallel discussions about Roman Fada’s managerial role intensify, fueling media attention.
- The Palace continues to mediate while some aspects of the dispute remain unresolved.
Cultural and Legal Significance of the Great Oath
- Customary Sovereignty: The Asantehene is the highest authority within Asanteman, and invoking the Great Oath places the dispute squarely under his jurisdiction.
- Spiritual Dimension: The oath is not just legal — it is spiritual. It calls on powerful ancestral forces, so breaking or ignoring it is considered dangerous.
- Customary vs. Civil Law: While Ghana’s civil courts handle estates and inheritance matters, Manhyia Palace oversees customary issues involving the oath or chieftaincy. The two systems sometimes coordinate to prevent jurisdictional clashes.
Implications for Those Involved
- Palace Ruling: A final ruling from the Palace could mandate reconciliation rituals, fines, or official recognition of the rightful family representatives for funeral matters.
- Civil Proceedings: If court cases exist, rulings may complement or complicate the Palace’s decision, especially in matters involving property or estate.
- Public Impact: As Daddy Lumba is a revered national figure, public scrutiny continues to pressure both sides to reach an amicable and culturally appropriate resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Great Oath (Ntam Kɛseɛ)?
A: It is the most powerful oath in Asante custom. When invoked, it demands that the Manhyia Palace investigate and settle the issue according to traditional law.
Q: Can Manhyia Palace override Ghana’s civil courts?
A: No. The Palace’s rulings apply within the customary sphere, while civil courts handle statutory law. However, when the Great Oath is involved, Manhyia’s decisions are respected and considered final within the traditional system.
Q: Did Daddy Lumba really sack Roman Fada?
A: The family insists he did, but Roman Fada denies it. The truth remains contested and forms part of the larger family dispute being managed by both customary and social processes.
