1. High Court stops Daddy Lumba's funeral, blocks release of body.
An Accra High Court has issued an injunction, halting the funeral of Highlife legend Daddy Lumba, which was initially scheduled for December 13, 2025
An Accra High Court has issued an injunction, halting the funeral arrangements for Highlife legend Daddy Lumba, which were initially scheduled for December 13, 2025, and blocking the release of his body from the mortuary. This ruling comes amidst a contentious legal dispute initiated by the musician’s maternal family, who assert their customary and legal authority over the burial rites
The injunction was granted following a writ filed on December 3 by five maternal relatives: Obaapanyin Afia Adomah Pakoso, Robert Gyamfi (Wofa Yaw Poku Asuafua), Georgina Gyamfi, Ernestina Fosuh, and Nana Afia Kobi Pakoso. They sought several orders to preserve their traditional and legal authority in the burial arrangements. The plaintiffs argued that under customary law, the maternal lineage holds the rightful authority to manage funeral rites and maintain custody of the deceased’s remains. They expressed concerns that the body could be released and burial plans executed without their consent.
The court’s decision specifically bars the first defendant, Kofi Owusu Abuakwa of Kumasi (identified as the Abusuapanyin or family head), from organizing any burial activities. It also directs Transitions Funeral Home, the third respondent, to retain custody of Daddy Lumba’s body until the substantive case is fully determined. The maternal family also sought to freeze and regulate access to the Daddy Lumba Memorial Foundation account at CAL Bank, which was established to fund funeral and related expenses. The court ordered that any funds raised for the funeral should be kept separate from the Foundation’s account
The judge acknowledged that delaying the burial might increase costs but emphasized the importance of proper family involvement and due process. While recognizing the family head’s traditional right to lead funeral plans, the court stressed that this authority must be exercised in consultation with the immediate family. As a result, the court has directed Kofi Owusu Abuakwa to organize a stakeholder meeting within three weeks to agree on a new burial date. The legal dispute arose after Daddy Lumba passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60, igniting tensions between his maternal family and the family head over the management of funeral arrangements and funds. This case highlights the significance of long-standing Akan customs, which grant considerable authority to the maternal lineage in burial matters. The substantive hearing of the case will continue, where the court will ultimately determine the legal and customary rights of the parties involved.
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