The Kumasi High Court has delivered a landmark judgment recognising Odo Broni (Priscilla Ofori Atta) and Akosua Serwaa Fosuh as the valid surviving spouses of the late highlife icon Daddy Lumba, bringing an end to months of legal battles and public controversy over who holds the rightful status of widow.
The ruling means both women are permitted to perform the widowhood rites and participate fully in funeral and estate-related matters. The decision is also expected to clear the way for the musician’s long-delayed funeral arrangements.
Although the court’s full reasoning is yet to be released, it noted that Akosua Serwaa did not provide an original certified copy of the civil-marriage certificate she claimed to have contracted with the musician in 2004 in Bornheim, Germany. The court observed that the documents submitted were extracts, not true certified originals.
How the Case Began
Following Daddy Lumba’s death on 26 July 2025, a bitter dispute erupted between the two women who both claimed to be his lawful spouse.
On 3 October 2025, Akosua Serwaa Fosuh filed a suit seeking a declaration that she was the sole legal widow, arguing that a civil marriage contracted abroad superseded any other marital claims. She also asked the court to restrain the head of the musician’s extended family, Kofi Owusu Fosu, and co-defendant Odo Broni from performing any widowhood or funeral rites.
The defence, however, countered that Serwaa’s marriage had been customarily dissolved when she allegedly returned the “head drinks,” a traditional act symbolising separation. They further argued that Odo Broni, who lived with the musician for more than 15 years and had six children with him, was the rightful spouse under customary law.
Proceedings in Court
During the hearing on 25 November 2025, the court examined notary-certified German documents that Serwaa submitted to prove the civil marriage. The defence challenged the authenticity of the paperwork, citing inconsistencies in font styles and notary signatures, and condemned the late submission as evidence introduced “at the eleventh hour.”
Presiding judge Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur noted that under Ghanaian family law, civil and customary marriages operate independently, meaning the existence of one does not invalidate the other. This observation opened the legal door for recognising multiple valid marital claims.
After closing arguments and cross-examinations, the court reserved judgment.
The Verdict
In its final ruling, the court held that both women should be recognised as spouses of Daddy Lumba, granting them marital rights, recognition in funeral and estate matters, and the authority to participate in widowhood rites.
The decision effectively ends the prolonged dispute and is expected to facilitate preparations for the late musician’s funeral.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
