Veteran lawyer and former government official Baba Jamal has responded to public criticism following his alleged involvement in the ongoing court case concerning the late highlife musician Daddy Lumba. The response comes after members of a pressure group known as Team Legal Wives accused him of playing a direct role in the legal proceedings and influencing the outcome in favour of one party.
The legal dispute began after the death of Daddy Lumba and centers on competing claims by two women who both assert that they were legally married to the musician. One party is seeking a court declaration to be recognised as the only lawful wife, while the other has been acknowledged by sections of the family as the customary wife. The matter has raised questions about marriage validity, estate administration, and the right to perform funeral and widowhood rites.
In addressing the accusations, Baba Jamal clarified that although his law firm is associated with legal services connected to the dispute, he is not personally handling the case. He stated that he has not appeared in court, has not represented any of the claimants directly, and has no personal interest in the matter. According to him, claims suggesting that he is manipulating the process are false and misleading.
He further explained that law firms operate through teams and that lawyers act strictly on instructions from their clients. Baba Jamal urged members of the public to refrain from personal attacks and instead allow the judicial process to run its course without unnecessary interference or misinformation.
The case has generated widespread public interest, with supporters on both sides expressing strong opinions. Legal analysts say the dispute highlights the complexities that arise when customary and foreign marriage systems intersect. As proceedings continue, Baba Jamal’s statement seeks to calm tensions and reinforce confidence in the integrity of the legal process.
