Court stops Daddy Lumba’s funeral

The Accra High Court has issued an injunction in response to a filing by the maternal family of the late musician Daddy Lumba, thereby restraining Kofi Owusu, the first respondent and family head (Abusuapanyin), from proceeding with the funeral.

Additionally, the court has barred Transitions Funeral Home, the third respondent, from releasing the body until a resolution is reached on the substantive matter.

In its ruling, the court observed that the affidavits presented suggested the immediate family had been excluded from funeral arrangements and underscored the necessity of considering the merits of the case.

The judge acknowledged that delaying the burial could result in increased costs but emphasized that proper procedures and family involvement must be respected.

While affirming that the family head has the authority to lead funeral preparations, the court held that such authority must be exercised in consultation with the immediate family.

The court subsequently directed the first respondent to convene a stakeholder meeting within three weeks to agree on a new burial date.

It further ordered that all funds raised for the funeral be separated from accounts belonging to the Daddy Lumba Memorial Foundation. The applicants were instructed to file an affidavit with the court registrar.

The case arises from disagreements following Daddy Lumba’s passing on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60. A dispute between his maternal relatives and the family head regarding funeral leadership and fund management escalated, reflecting longstanding Akan customs granting significant authority to the maternal lineage in burial matters.