In a landmark judgment, the Kumasi High Court has declared both Akosua Serwaa Fosuh and Priscilla Ofori Atta (known as Odo Broni) as legitimate spouses of the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba, effectively ending a bitter legal battle over his widowhood rites and estate.
The ruling, delivered on Friday, November 28, 2025, by Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur, means both women are entitled to perform widowhood rites and enjoy spousal rights in relation to the musician’s funeral and inheritance matters.
The decision paves the way for the long-delayed final funeral rites of Daddy Lumba, who passed away on July 26, 2025.
The dispute began when Akosua Serwaa Fosuh filed suit on October 3, 2025, seeking a declaration that she was the only lawful surviving wife, citing a civil marriage allegedly contracted with Daddy Lumba in Bornheim, Germany, in 2004. She also sought to restrain Odo Broni and the musician’s family head, Kofi Owusu Fosu, from interfering in funeral arrangements.
The defendants countered that Akosua Serwaa had long dissolved any customary marriage by returning the traditional “head drinks” to the family, and that Odo Broni – who lived with Daddy Lumba for over 15 years and bore him six children – was the recognised customary wife.
During hearings, the court was presented with documents purporting to be the original German civil-marriage certificate and certified translations. However, the defence challenged their authenticity, pointing to inconsistencies in font and notary signatures, and criticised their late submission.
Justice Smith Arthur noted that under Ghanaian law, a valid customary marriage and a valid civil marriage can co-exist independently, as each form is recognised separately. The court ultimately found that Akosua Serwaa failed to produce an original certified marriage certificate, relying instead on extracts.
Despite this, the judge ruled that sufficient evidence existed to recognise both marriages, thereby granting both women spousal status.
The full written judgment is expected to be released in the coming days.