Royal storm brews over Daddy Lumba burial as family demands Otumfuo’s intervention

A bitter family dispute has exploded into the public domain again following what has been described as the controversial and “clandestine” burial of Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba.

At a fiery press conference in Kumasi, a faction identifying itself as the legal wives and husbands of Madam Akosua Serwaah accused certain individuals of hijacking the burial process and sidelining the musician’s lawful family.

The group is demanding urgent intervention from the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as well as President John Dramani Mahama and other Ashanti traditional authorities to halt what they describe as a gross disregard for custom and royal heritage.

Spokesperson Mr. Emmanuel Degraft Adjei accused Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odobroni, and Abusua Panin Kofi Wusu of taking unilateral control of the funeral arrangements without consulting the broader legal family.

“What has happened is a betrayal of tradition and a slap in the face of his royal lineage,” Mr. Degraft Adjei charged. “You do not bury a man of his stature in secrecy and expect the family to remain silent.”

He further condemned the reported decision to cover the late musician’s face and withhold the location of his burial site, calling it “deeply suspicious and culturally offensive.”

The group insists that Daddy Lumba’s stature as a cultural icon and his claimed royal ancestry demand a funeral conducted with full traditional rites and family involvement.

Warning of escalating action, Mr. Degraft Adjei disclosed that the group will appeal the ruling of the Accra High Court on the burial and is prepared to pursue both legal redress and traditional arbitration if necessary.

“We are not afraid of a showdown,” he said firmly. “This is about justice, transparency, and restoring honor to Daddy Lumba’s name.”