Court Dismisses Akosua Serwaa’s Attempt to Halt Daddy Lumba’s Funeral

Photo credit- Ghana News Online

Kumasi, Ghana — The Kumasi High Court has dismissed an injunction application filed by Akosua Serwaa, the first wife of Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba, who sought to prevent his extended family from proceeding with funeral arrangements.

Delivering the ruling on Monday, Presiding Judge Dorinda Smith-Arthur upheld Asante customary law, affirming that authority over a deceased person’s remains rests with the extended family (abusua) and not the spouse alone. “The wider family cannot be barred,” the judge emphasized, noting that the right to manage the deceased’s remains is not exclusive to the spouse.

The judgment effectively clears all legal obstacles preventing the family from collecting the musician’s body from the mortuary and continuing preparations for final rites.

Akosua Serwaa filed the suit earlier this month, asserting her position as Daddy Lumba’s lawful wife and seeking an injunction to restrain the extended family from conducting funeral activities without her consent. However, the court found that such an injunction would neither serve the parties involved nor the public interest. Citing established Supreme Court precedents, Justice Smith-Arthur stated that granting the application would be “unjust and inconvenient.”

While the injunction has been struck out, the main legal battle determining the musician’s surviving spouse and next of kin remains before the court. All parties have been directed to file supporting documents by Friday, October 31, ahead of a Case Management Conference scheduled for November 14. The main hearing will run from November 17 to 21, with a final judgment expected on November 25.

The ruling now allows Daddy Lumba’s extended family to proceed with funeral arrangements in accordance with Asante tradition, celebrating the legendary musician’s life and legacy.

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