Court Stops Daddy Lumba Funeral Proceedings
An Accra High Court has issued an injunction halting the planned burial of Highlife legend Daddy Lumba, scheduled for this weekend in the Ashanti Region.
The injunction, granted on Thursday, restrains Kofi Owusu, the family head (Abusuapanyin), from proceeding with the funeral arrangements. It also prevents Transitions Funeral Home, the third respondent in the case, from releasing Daddy Lumba’s remains until the matter is fully adjudicated.
The court’s decision follows a petition filed by the maternal family of the late musician, alleging they have been sidelined in the planning of his final rites. According to court documents, the judge noted that affidavits presented indicated a lack of consultation with the immediate family.
While acknowledging the Abusuapanyin’s traditional authority in leading funeral preparations, the court emphasized that this power must be exercised in collaboration with the late Lumba’s close relatives. The Judge added that delaying the funeral may accrue costs, but insisted due process must take its course.
“The court finds it necessary to consider the merits of the case before the burial proceeds,” a statement from the court reads. “A stakeholder meeting must be convened within three weeks to agree on a revised burial date.”
Additionally, the court directed that all funds collected for the funeral be kept separate from the accounts of the Daddy Lumba Memorial Foundation. The applicants have been instructed to file an affidavit with the court registrar detailing this directive’s adherence.
The dispute arose after Daddy Lumba passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60. It centers on disagreements between his maternal family and the family head regarding control of funeral arrangements and financial management, reflecting longstanding Akan customs that accord significant importance to the maternal lineage in matters of bereavement.
“These customs are deeply rooted in our society, and the court recognised the need to balance tradition with the rights of all concerned family members,” a legal observer commented.
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