The family of the late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has been thrown into turmoil following his death on July 2
The family of the late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has been thrown into turmoil following his death on July 26, 2025, as disputes over his funeral arrangements, estate management, and even the cause of his death threaten to overshadow his enduring musical legacy.
What began as a time of national mourning for a cultural icon has turned into a deeply personal and public battle involving his widows, siblings, and children.
Confusion Over Funeral Plans
Barely three months after the musician’s death, the family remains divided over how to honour him. Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, who claims to be Lumba’s legitimate and surviving wife, has filed an injunction at the Kumasi High Court seeking to stop the scheduled funeral on December 6, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
In her application, Akosua Serwaa insists that her nuclear family was sidelined in the funeral planning process and that she must be recognized as the only lawful widow entitled to perform the necessary widowhood rites.
She is also seeking to bar the Lumba family head, Kofi Owusu Fosu, from engaging or recognizing Priscilla Ofori, also known as Odo Broni, who also claims to have been married to the late musician.
During proceedings on October 16, 2025, at Kumasi High Court 5, presided over by Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur, the matter was adjourned to October 28, 2025 to allow all parties to file their respective legal responses.
The presiding judge urged both families to settle their differences amicably, given the national stature of the deceased.
The case, which has captured public attention, has also drawn emotional responses from the family’s various factions, with each side insisting on its version of events.
Children Distance Themselves From Feud
Amid the growing tension, Daddy Lumba’s children have publicly distanced themselves from the ongoing legal and family battles.
In a statement signed by Charlyn Fosuh on behalf of the musician’s children with Akosua Serwaa, they clarified that they are not party to the court proceedings and wish to remain neutral.
“It has come to our attention that there is an ongoing court process regarding the funeral and burial arrangements of our beloved father,” the statement said.
“We, the children of Akosua Serwaa and Daddy Lumba, wish to clarify that we are not part of this legal process and do not wish to be involved in any disputes or conflicts surrounding the funeral arrangements.”
They emphasized their collective desire to celebrate their father’s memory “in a dignified, respectful, and peaceful manner” and called on the public and media to avoid commentary that could fuel more division.
“Our father deserves a farewell that reflects the peace, dignity, and unity he valued in life,” the statement added.
Sister Raises Questions Over Death and Estate
While the legal fight over funeral rites continues, Ernestina Fosu, the late musician’s elder sister, has raised deeper concerns about how the family is handling his estate and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Speaking in an emotional interview on UTV, Ernestina accused some relatives of prioritizing the scramble for Lumba’s wealth instead of ensuring transparency about how he died and caring for his dependent children abroad.
“Charles can’t just die like that. No one is asking questions about why he died, and that hurts me,” she said. Having returned from Germany after her brother’s death, she revealed that there have been conflicting accounts of how and where he died — inconsistencies that have led her and Akosua Serwaa to call for an independent investigation by both Ghanaian and German authorities.
Ernestina further expressed disapproval of the family’s funeral committee for proposing to take a bank loan to finance the funeral, describing it as unnecessary and financially reckless.
They also accused the committee of spending GHC28,000 on hotel bills for the a member of the committee during a meeting in Accra.
“There is already enough money raised for a decent funeral. Taking a loan could eventually force the family to sell Charles’ properties just to pay debts,” she cautioned.
Disputes Over Lumba’s Properties
At the heart of the growing family rift are disputes over the late musician’s extensive assets.
According to claims by Akosua Serwaa, Daddy Lumba owned multiple properties in both Ghana and Germany.
These include a house in Bornheim, Germany, residential properties at Tantra Hill, Dome, and North Legon in Accra, as well as two plots of land at Adoato, Kumasi.
The ownership, valuation, and inheritance of these properties are currently under litigation, with different family members presenting conflicting documents and claims.
Akosua Serwaa argues that the properties belong to the nuclear family, while others in the extended family claim traditional inheritance rights as prescribed by Akan custom.
This conflict has widened the divide between the widow’s camp and the extended family, particularly after reports that most of Lumba’s sisters, including Ernestina, are supporting Akosua Serwaa’s position, while the family head remains firm on following customary processes.
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