The public reaction to the injunction ruling and subsequent U-turn regarding Daddy Lumba’s funeral was characterized by a mix of confusion, frustration, and eventual relief, reflecting the prolonged and contentious nature of the arrangements
The Accra High Court initially granted an injunction on December 12, 2025, halting the funeral of Highlife legend Daddy Lumba, which was scheduled for December 13, 2025. This injunction was sought by five maternal relatives who argued that, under customary law, they held the rightful authority to manage funeral rites and maintain custody of the deceased’s remains, expressing concern that the body could be released and burial plans carried out without their consent. The court also restrained the release of his body from the mortuary until the substantive case was fully determined and barred the first respondent, Kofi Owusu Abuakwa, and former members of a dissolved committee from accessing the Daddy Lumba Memorial Foundation account, which was established to fund funeral expenses. The court acknowledged that the immediate family had been sidelined in the funeral planning and emphasized the need for proper consideration of the case’s merits and proper family involvement.
However, a significant turn of events occurred shortly after the initial ruling. The Accra High Court recalled all lawyers involved and issued a fresh directive. The judge ordered the applicants, who included members of Daddy Lumba’s maternal family, to deposit GH¢2 million with the court by 2 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, as security to cover potential costs arising from the delay, or the funeral would proceed on Saturday, December 13, 2025, The court noted that while it respected the applicants’ concerns, the injunction carried significant financial implications and could unfairly burden the respondents. When the applicants failed to meet this deadline and pay the required sum, their plea was struck out, removing the legal hurdle and allowing the funeral activities to continue as scheduled. Consequently, the Accra High Court ordered that Daddy Lumba’s funeral should proceed as planned on December 13, 2025. This decision was described as a huge relief to the family by their counsel, Thomas Kwadwo Osei, enabling them to proceed with final preparations.
Daddy Lumba passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60, and his funeral arrangements have been at the center of a complex family dispute over who has the authority to lead and finance them. This dispute reflects long-standing Akan customs that often grant significant authority to the maternal lineage in burial matters.
The final funeral rites for Ghanaian highlife legend Charles Kojo Fosu, widely known as Daddy Lumba, are currently underway at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, on December 13, 2025.
Thousands of mourners, including music lovers, politicians, celebrities, and family members, have gathered to pay their final respects. Attendees are largely dressed in traditional black attire to honor the deceased musician. The atmosphere is described as a mix of grief, nostalgia, and celebration, with Lumba’s classic highlife rhythms filling the air and fans singing along to his timeless hits.
Daddy Lumba passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60. His funeral arrangements had been the subject of a complex family dispute regarding who had the authority to lead and fund the rites. Legal challenges, including a High Court injunction that briefly halted preparations, made national headlines. However, the Accra High Court ordered on December 12, 2025, that the funeral proceed as scheduled.
Notable figures present at the funeral include Daddy Lumba’s wife, Odo Broni, who was seen shedding tears, the family head Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu, NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene, and renowned businessmen Osei Kwame Despite and Akwasi Sarpong. Fellow musician Nana Acheampong also delivered an emotional performance of the first song he composed with Daddy Lumba. Vendors at the stadium are selling memorabilia such as T-shirts, caps, and printed programs featuring Daddy Lumba’s image
To be continued.
Story by Nana Owusu Emmanuel for @mptvGhana
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