I gain nothing by taking sides in Lumba family disputes – Despite

Businessman and media owner, Osei Kwame Despite, has dismissed claims that he has taken sides in ongoing family disagreements following the death of highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosu, known as Daddy Lumba.

In a rare interview conducted in Twi and shared on Monday on the social media platforms of UTV, one of the television channels he owns, Mr Despite said the allegations are unfounded and disrespectful to the memory of his late friend.

“I don’t have any issues with them and now, nearing the end of the funeral, I’m hearing assertions that I have sided with one of them,” he said, referring to Daddy Lumba’s two widows.

“What sense does it make for me to take sides when a friend has died and left his family?”

Mr Despite described such claims as culturally inappropriate, stressing that it would be wrong for him to interfere in family matters at a time of grief.

“What taboo would that be? I cannot do that,” he stated, underscoring the seriousness with which he views funeral customs and family relations.

He explained that his relationship with the late musician did not extend to estate or inheritance matters, insisting he had never been given any responsibility over the distribution of property.

“He had never entrusted me with the responsibility of sharing his property,” he said. “I have decided to honour him by supporting his funeral.”

Addressing suggestions that he may be influencing legal processes behind the scenes, Mr Despite was categorical that he has stayed away from all such engagements. “I have neither spoken to Akosua Serwaa’s lawyer nor Odo Broni’s lawyer,” he noted. “I have no part in the legal issues.”

According to him, his initial intention was purely to assist with funeral arrangements if financial support was needed, but he withdrew once disagreements surfaced.

“My wish was that if it came to finances, I would take care of it,” he said. “However, I stepped aside when the disputes arose.”

Mr Despite questioned the logic behind the accusations, arguing that there is nothing to gain from aligning with one side against the other. “So what benefit do I get by taking sides between two grieving widows?” he asked. “What kind of person would I be?”

He made his position clear in unequivocal terms. “I will never do that,” he said, reiterating that his sole focus remains paying respect to the late Daddy Lumba and allowing the family to resolve its issues without external pressure.

The interview has sparked widespread discussion online, with many viewers praising the businessman for publicly clarifying his role.