The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has distanced himself and the Asante Kingdom from the ongoing controversy surrounding the funeral arrangements of legendary highlife musician Daddy Lumba, whose real name is Charles Kwadwo Fosu.
Speaking at a Kumasi Traditional Council meeting on Wednesday, December 11, 2025, Otumfuo expressed strong disapproval over attempts to drag his office into the matter.
“A lot of things are being attributed to me that I have never said. How does Lumba’s issue concern us here?” Otumfuo questioned, stressing that the late musician hails from Nsuta and any traditional involvement should fall under the jurisdiction of the Nsutahene.
“If there is any issue that requires Nananom, it is Nsutahene who should handle it because Lumba is from Nsuta. This matter has no relation to me,” he clarified.
The Asantehene also criticised some traditional authorities who rushed to involve themselves at the initial stages of the controversy, describing their actions as unnecessary.
The remarks came as Otumfuo addressed a concerns about the frequent and improper invocation of the Great Oath (Ntam Kesee) by some individuals and divisions within the Kingdom, warning that certain palace courtiers and divisional chiefs were behind the trend.
“Some divisions are pushing this agenda and it must stop. Even some courtiers from this very palace are involved,” he warned, issuing a final caution to all involved to desist immediately or face consequences.
The statement by Asantehene comes on the back of the controversy around the funeral and burial of the music legend.
The head of Lumba’s family, Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu and others on one hand are engaged in a litigation with the maternal family members of Daddy Lumba and his German-based wife, Akosua Serwaa on another hand over the planning of the funeral, widowhood rites and the date for the burial.
The Abusuapanyin has publicised Saturday, December 13, 2025, as the date for the funeral and burial while the opposing relatives insist on a later date.
A legal action has been filed by the maternal relatives of Daddy Lumba challenging the legitimacy of Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu to lead the organization of the funeral.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Manhyia Palace issued a disclaimer distancing itself from the organization of the musician’s funeral.