Manhyia Palace fines Lumba’s family head two sheep over ‘Great Oath’ invocation

The Manhyia Palace has fined Kofi Owusu, head of the family of the late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, two sheep following the invocation of the Great Oath of the Asantehene by the musician’s sister, Ernestina Akosua Bimpomaa.

The dramatic incident occurred on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, during court proceedings in a case filed by Akosua Serwaa, the first wife of the late musician, who is seeking recognition as his lawful spouse.

Tensions rose after the hearing when Ernestina Akosua Bimpomaa, sister of the late musician, invoked the Great Oath — Ntam Kɛseɛ — a sacred and powerful act in Asante tradition that compels the matter to be withdrawn from the regular court system and brought before the Asantehene’s court for traditional adjudication.

Following the invocation, the case was referred to the Manhyia Palace, where the Saamanhene and other chiefs presided over the traditional hearing. Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu was found to have failed to challenge the invocation as required by custom and was therefore fined two sheep.

According to Asante customary law, once the Great Oath is invoked, only the Manhyia Palace has the authority to hear and settle the matter. The fine imposed will be used for purification rites meant to revoke the oath and prevent any spiritual consequences associated with its invocation.

Sources close to the palace indicated that the rites would be performed to cleanse the parties involved and restore harmony among the families.

Meanwhile, the legal aspect of the case is expected to continue on November 12, 2025, when the court resumes hearing the dispute over who is to be recognized as Daddy Lumba’s lawful wife.