The Accra High Court has issued an injunction halting the burial of legendary musician Daddy Lumba, following a petition from his maternal family. The legal move comes amid a heated dispute over funeral arrangements and the management of funeral funds.
In the ruling delivered this week, the court restrained Kofi Owusu, the family head (Abusuapanyin) and first respondent, from organizing the burial until the substantive issues are resolved. Additionally, Transitions Funeral Home, the third respondent, has been barred from releasing Daddy Lumba’s body for burial.
The judge, after reviewing affidavits from both sides, acknowledged that the late musician’s immediate family had been sidelined in the funeral planning process. While recognizing that the family head traditionally leads burial preparations, the court emphasized that this authority must be exercised in close consultation with the immediate family.
The court also noted that postponing the burial could result in higher costs, but stressed that upholding due process and respecting family dynamics took precedence. As part of its directives, the court ordered Kofi Owusu to convene a stakeholder meeting within three weeks to agree on a new burial date that satisfies all parties involved.
Furthermore, the judge instructed that all funds raised for Daddy Lumba’s funeral be kept separate from the accounts of the Daddy Lumba Memorial Foundation, ensuring transparency and accountability. The applicants were required to file an affidavit with the court registrar documenting compliance.
This legal battle follows the passing of Daddy Lumba on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60. The dispute between his maternal relatives and the family head has roots in longstanding Akan customs, which grant significant authority to the maternal lineage in burial matters.
As both sides seek to honor the late icon, the court’s decision aims to ensure that tradition, transparency, and unity prevail in laying Daddy Lumba to rest.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
