Accra High Court Adjourns Ruling in Daddy Lumba Funeral Dispute to December 12
The Accra High Court has adjourned its decision in the legal dispute over who has authority to release the body and manage the funeral arrangements of the late highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosu, known as Daddy Lumba. The ruling is now scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025.
The case was initiated by five members of Daddy Lumba’s maternal family, who filed an application seeking to prevent the release of his remains without their consent. They argue that under customary law, the maternal lineage holds exclusive authority to take custody of the body and oversee all funeral proceedings.
In addition to restraining the funeral home from releasing the body, the plaintiffs are asking the court to order that no transactions be made from the Daddy Lumba Memorial Foundation account without their authorisation. They want the bank to freeze the account and replace existing signatories with individuals appointed by the maternal family.
During the hearing, both sides presented arguments on the question of traditional and legal authority. The court did not deliver a final judgment, opting to reserve its decision until Friday. The forthcoming ruling will determine who is legally entitled to manage the funeral arrangements, take custody of the remains and control memorial funds.
Speaking to the media after the session, a representative of the family head and first defendant, Kweku Emmanuel Debrah, said the family respects the court’s process and is united in awaiting the outcome. Supporters of the maternal family, including musician Papa Shee, expressed optimism about the ruling.
The dispute comes amid heightened public interest as plans for the musician’s burial have generated differing views among relatives over procedure and timing.
