High Court stops Daddy Lumba’s burial

The Accra High Court has issued an injunction preventing the burial of the late musician Daddy Lumba, following a legal petition filed by his maternal relatives.

The court restrained Kofi Owusu, the family head (Abusuapanyin), from organising the funeral and also barred Transitions Funeral Home from releasing the body until the substantive legal matter is resolved.

In its ruling, the court noted that the affidavits presented suggested that the immediate family had been largely excluded from funeral arrangements. The judge emphasized the need to ensure proper family involvement and adherence to due process before the burial proceeds. While acknowledging that the delay could increase costs, the court stated that legal and procedural requirements take priority.

The ruling clarified that although the family head holds the traditional authority to lead funeral preparations, such authority must be exercised in consultation with the immediate family. To facilitate resolution, the court directed the first respondent to convene a stakeholder meeting within three weeks to agree on a new burial date.

Additionally, the court ordered that all funds raised for the funeral should be kept separate from the accounts of the Daddy Lumba Memorial Foundation. The applicants were instructed to file an affidavit with the court registrar to support their claims and outline their position regarding the funeral arrangements.

The dispute follows the death of Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who died on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60 after a short illness. The disagreement involves his maternal relatives and the family head over who should lead the funeral and how the funds collected for the funeral should be managed.

The court’s injunction ensures that the burial cannot take place until all parties have been properly consulted and legal procedures observed. It underscores that the authority of the family head is not absolute and must be balanced with the participation of the immediate family pending the resolution of the substantive legal case.

The ruling provides a framework for discussions among the family and stakeholders, ensuring that funeral arrangements are handled in accordance with both legal requirements and customary practices, while giving all relevant parties an opportunity to contribute to the planning.