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The Accra High Court has placed an injunction on the planned burial of the late Ghanaian music icon Daddy Lumba, following a petition filed by his maternal family. The ruling restrains the family head (Abusuapanyin), Kofi Owusu, from proceeding with funeral arrangements until the substantive issues before the court are fully addressed.
The court also issued an order barring Transitions Funeral Home, the third respondent in the case, from releasing the musician’s body pending the final determination of the matter.
According to the court, the affidavits presented indicated that the immediate family of the late artiste had been sidelined in the planning of the funeral, a concern the judge said must be properly examined before any burial can take place. While acknowledging that postponing the burial could lead to increased costs, the judge stressed that due process and proper family involvement could not be compromised.
Although Akan custom grants the family head significant authority over funeral arrangements, the court clarified that such authority must be exercised in consultation with the immediate family.
Orders Issued by the Court
- The first respondent, Kofi Owusu, must convene a stakeholder meeting within three weeks to agree on a new burial date.
- All funds raised for the funeral must be kept separate from accounts belonging to the Daddy Lumba Memorial Foundation.
- The applicants are to file an affidavit with the court registrar as part of the ongoing proceedings.
Background to the Dispute
The case arises from tensions between Daddy Lumba’s maternal relatives and the family head over who should lead the funeral rites and how related funds should be managed. The dispute intensified following the highlife legend’s passing on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60.
The situation highlights longstanding Akan cultural traditions, which often place burial authority in the hands of the maternal family, sometimes leading to internal disagreements over roles, responsibilities, and financial oversight.
More updates are expected as the court hears the substantive matter in the coming weeks.
