The Accra High Court has issued an interlocutory injunction restraining the maternal family and key stakeholders from proceeding with the burial arrangements of the late Ghanaian music legend, Daddy Lumba, following an escalating dispute over who holds the legitimate authority to lead the funeral rites. The decision, delivered earlier this week, places a temporary halt on all ongoing plans until broader family consultations are undertaken and the substantive issues are fully resolved.
The injunction was filed by members of the late musician’s maternal family, who argued that they had been excluded from key decisions surrounding the funeral. Their contention centred on claims that the first respondent, Kofi Owusu, who serves as the Abusuapanyin (family head), was making unilateral decisions without the proper involvement of the immediate maternal relatives. In Ghanaian Akan tradition, the maternal family holds significant customary authority in matters of burial, making their exclusion a point of serious cultural concern.
In its ruling, the court placed a specific injunction on Kofi Owusu, restraining him from proceeding with any burial-related arrangements until further notice. The judge emphasised that, while the family head traditionally leads funeral preparations, such authority must always be exercised in consultation with the immediate family to ensure fairness, cultural alignment, and due respect to the deceased. The court acknowledged that affidavits and submissions before it revealed credible concerns that the immediate family had been sidelined, and therefore, a deeper examination of the issues was warranted.
Alongside halting the burial activities of the family head, the court also issued a directive to the third respondent, Transitions Funeral Home, barring them from releasing the body of the late musician to any party until the case is concluded. This ensures that no individual or group can proceed with the burial without resolving the family dispute and complying with the court’s orders. According to the court, this decision is necessary to prevent any actions that could complicate or undermine its ongoing inquiry into the conflict.
The presiding judge further acknowledged that postponing the burial may come with increased financial costs, especially considering the logistical and ceremonial demands associated with the funeral of a national figure like Daddy Lumba. However, the court stressed that ensuring due process and respecting the legitimate roles of all family stakeholders outweighed any temporary inconvenience. The court made it clear that cultural traditions, emotional sensitivities, and ethical responsibilities must be carefully balanced in handling the burial of an individual whose impact reached far beyond his immediate community.
As part of its directives, the court instructed the first respondent to convene a comprehensive stakeholder meeting within three weeks. This meeting must include the maternal family, the immediate family, elders, and all relevant parties involved in the burial arrangements. The goal is to reach consensus on a new burial date and agree on a unified road map forward. The court emphasised that such consultation is not optional but essential to ensuring both cultural legitimacy and harmony within the family.
Additionally, the court addressed financial concerns tied to the burial planning. It was revealed that funds designated for the funeral were being mixed with accounts belonging to the Daddy Lumba Memorial Foundation. To avoid any potential misuse or lack of accountability, the court ordered that all funeral-related funds be immediately separated from the foundation’s finances. The applicants were also instructed to file an affidavit with the court registrar, detailing the steps taken to comply with the ruling.
This legal confrontation stems from events that unfolded after the passing of Daddy Lumba on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60. His death sparked not only national mourning but also internal disagreements over customary authority and administrative responsibilities pertaining to his burial. In Akan culture, particularly among the Asante and related groups, the maternal lineage plays a central role in funerals. As such, decisions about the burial typically fall under the purview of the maternal family, even when other relatives hold social or administrative roles.
The dispute between Daddy Lumba’s maternal relatives and the family head therefore touches deeply on long-standing cultural practices, raising questions about the balance between customary leadership and broader family collaboration. As one of Ghana’s most celebrated musicians, issues surrounding his burial carry even greater public interest, especially given his legacy and influence on modern highlife music.
Following the court’s ruling, legal analysts note that the injunction does not determine which party is ultimately right but merely preserves the status quo until a fair hearing can be conducted. The court will continue to review submissions from both sides, including issues related to funeral leadership, financial administration, and adherence to custom. For now, however, the burial of the iconic musician remains on hold.
As the case progresses, many Ghanaians are watching closely. For admirers and fans across the globe, the hope is that the disputes will be resolved peacefully so the country can give Daddy Lumba the dignified farewell befitting his legendary contributions to music. For the family, the court’s intervention presents an opportunity to settle differences and work together to honour the memory of a man whose impact transcended generations.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor proceedings and provide updates as they unfold.
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