Legal Expert Says Co‑Widows May Perform Daddy Lumba Rites
Legal expert Iris Aggrey‑Orleans clarified on JoyNews that the Kumasi High Court ruling recognising both Akosua Serwaa Fosuh and Priscilla Ofori as legal wives of the late highlife star Daddy Lumba aligns with Ghana’s customary and statutory marriage laws.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur on 28 November, affirmed that the late musician was married under both a customary ceremony and a civil (Ordinance) marriage, making both unions lawful at the time of his death.
Akosua Serwaa Fosuh had sued for exclusive recognition, arguing that her civil marriage should grant her sole entitlement to perform widowhood rites and be acknowledged as the only surviving spouse.
Addressing the controversy, Aggrey‑Orleans told The Law that “it is not difficult to perform because widowhood rites are custom, and our customary laws admit of having more than one wife. So, you can perform widowhood rites,” emphasizing that customary practice permits multiple widows.
She added, “Let us not confuse this with succession. Succession has already been provided for under our intestate succession law, although I must say that it needs some reform honestly, it does need some reform. But succession has been provided for. Once you are a widow, you should be able to perform your widowhood rites.”
The expert noted that the ruling underscores Ghana’s plural legal system, where statutory and customary marriages coexist, and highlights the importance for individuals entering multiple unions to understand the legal implications of each.
Legal scholars say the case may spur calls for reform of intestate succession rules, especially where customary practices intersect with statutory provisions, and the courts are expected to address further disputes arising from similar dual marriages.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
