Kumasi High Court Rules Both Akosua Serwaa Fosuh and Odo Broni Are Surviving Spouses of Daddy Lumba
High Court rules both Akosua Serwaa Fosuh and Odo Broni hold legal spousal status in Daddy Lumba’s estate and funeral rites
- Court rules both Akosua Serwaa Fosuh and Odo Broni are surviving spouses of the late Daddy Lumba
- Judge dismisses bid for sole-spouse recognition, clearing the way for both women to participate in funeral rites.
- Key testimony confirms customary marriage and family life with Odo Broni, influencing the landmark decision.
The Kumasi High Court has rejected an application by Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, who sought exclusive recognition as the only surviving spouse of the late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosuh (Daddy Lumba).
Delivering her decision, Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur declared that the law recognises both Akosua Serwaa and Priscilla Ofori — popularly known as Odo Broni — as surviving spouses of the musician. The ruling ends weeks of legal tension as the family prepares for the artist’s final funeral rites in early December.
Court rejects sole-spouse claim
Akosua Serwaa, who lives in Germany, filed the application earlier this year, asking the court to declare her the late musician’s only legal wife and to block Odo Broni from participating in widowhood rites. She also sought to stop Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu, head of the extended Fosuh family, from continuing funeral plans involving Odo Broni.
Justice Smith Arthur found that Akosua Serwaa could not prove she remained married to Daddy Lumba at the time of his death. In contrast, the court determined that Odo Broni had demonstrated a valid customary marriage, supported by evidence of their long-term partnership and their six children.
The judge therefore instructed Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu to ensure both women take part in all widowhood and funeral rites, affirming their equal recognition under the law.
Evidence and testimonies
The decision followed testimony from five witnesses — three for Akosua Serwaa and one each for the family head and Odo Broni. The court admitted the civil marriage certificate between Akosua Serwaa and the musician despite defence objections.
A key witness, tax analyst James Beniako Boateng, testified that Daddy Lumba publicly declared the end of his marriage to Akosua Serwaa during his 2010 customary wedding to Odo Broni. He further confirmed the couple lived together at Tantara Hills and later East Legon, raising their six children.
Judge urges peace as funeral preparations continue
Justice Smith Arthur called on both women to end their feud and focus on giving the highlife icon a dignified farewell. Her approach — described as firm yet occasionally light-hearted — received commendation from lawyers on both sides for resolving the complex matter swiftly.
With the ruling delivered, the family can now proceed with burial plans. The final funeral rites are set for 13 December 2025.
Family lawyers respond
Lawyers from Baba Jamal and Associates, representing the Fosuh family, clarified that they do not represent Odo Broni to avoid any conflict of interest, as they previously served as Daddy Lumba’s legal counsel.
The court’s dismissal of Akosua Serwaa’s injunction removes a major obstacle and allows the family and recognised spouses to move forward with preparations for a respectful celebration of Daddy Lumba’s life and legacy.
