The legacy of the late highlife icon Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, is currently at the center of two distinct but equally significant controversies: a legal battle over his marital status and a dispute regarding the timing of his funeral. Both matters have garnered national attention, highlighting the complexities surrounding the affairs of the beloved musician.

In Kumasi, Justice Dorinda Smith-Arthur of the High Court is presiding over a contentious widowhood case filed by Akosua Serwaa Fosuh. Ms. Fosuh seeks a declaration from the court that she is the sole lawful surviving spouse of Daddy Lumba. The case names Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu as the first defendant and Priscilla Ofori, also known as Odo Broni, as the second defendant. Justice Smith-Arthur, in an unrelated comment during proceedings, underscored the legal redundancy of undergoing both ordinance and customary marriage ceremonies, as Ghanaian law recognizes each as independently valid, deeming the practice a waste of time and resources.

A dramatic turn in the court proceedings occurred when Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, through her counsel William Kusi, tendered photographs of what she asserted was their civil marriage ceremony, held in Bornheim, Germany, in 2004. This unexpected submission prompted strong objections from defence lawyers, Dominic Kwadwo Osei and Kwadwo Owusu, who questioned the authenticity and timing of the evidence, describing the images as a 'surprise'. Despite their arguments that they had not yet cross-examined relevant witnesses, and the plaintiff's explanation that the documents were only recently received from Germany, Justice Smith Arthur admitted the photographs as evidence after Abusuapanin Owusu confirmed Daddy Lumba's identity in the images.

The defence's own tendered photographs also came under scrutiny. During cross-examination, the plaintiff's counsel pressed Abusuapanin Owusu about the origin of the pictures he had previously submitted as evidence, to which the witness stated they were received from Priscilla Ofori (Odo Broni) at Daddy Lumba's residence. Questions arose regarding Odo Broni's appearance with a wedding ring and the occasion for one particular photo of Lumba and Priscilla. While the defence objected to some questions, the court overruled them, leading the witness to describe one image not as a marriage ceremony photo, but of 'a couple dressed and ready to go out'.

Tension escalated in the courtroom when the plaintiff's counsel suggested one of the defence's photographs might be doctored. He pointed to alleged inconsistencies in body proportions and similarities with other documents, implying the image 'cannot be a photograph of Daddy Lumba and Odo Broni'. Abusuapanin Owusu maintained he was not present when the photograph was taken and later agreed that an earlier defence witness had testified no photos were taken at the alleged marriage ceremony at Lumba's house. With cross-examinations of all witnesses concluded, the High Court is poised to deliver its crucial ruling on Friday, November 28, 2025, a decision that will determine the legally recognized spouse and potentially influence claims to the late musician's estate.

Simultaneously, a significant disagreement has emerged concerning Daddy Lumba's funeral arrangements. A 14-member core family committee has formally rejected the widely publicized funeral date of December 13, 2025, branding it as 'unsuitable, unrealistic and never officially approved'. In a statement issued on November 24, 2025, endorsed by the 'direct family', they expressed shock at the billboards and public notices advertising the December date across Accra and Kumasi, asserting that the date was only 'discussed in passing' and 'never confirmed or agreed upon' during an initial meeting with Nananom at the Manhyia Palace.

The family committee cited several critical reasons for the postponement. Firstly, several of Daddy Lumba's children, residing in Germany and other countries, are preparing for major, life-defining academic examinations. The family argued that 'expecting them to combine mourning with life-defining assessments would be emotionally damaging and wholly unreasonable'.

Secondly, the circumstances surrounding the musician's death remain unsettled, with conflicting accounts still emerging. The family revealed that 'detailed investigations and parallel autopsy processes in both Ghana and Germany are ongoing', making it 'impossible, and irresponsible', to schedule the funeral for December.

Thirdly, many of Daddy Lumba’s closest relatives work abroad in essential roles. The statement emphasized that 'obtaining emergency leave at such short notice is impractical', and a December funeral would prevent the majority of his immediate family from attending.

Finally, the family highlighted Daddy Lumba's extensive international network, having spent decades living and working in Europe and forming deep personal and professional relationships worldwide. They insisted that 'a funeral of this magnitude, one that has international significance, must allow ample time for colleagues, friends and admirers overseas to travel to Ghana to honour him'. The communiqué also confirmed that Evangelist Papa Shee, a long-standing associate, has informed Dadesoabahene of the need to reconsider the funeral date. The statement was signed by notable family members including Wofa Robert Yaw Opoku Gyamfi, Ernestina Brempomaa Fosu, Miller Attakorah, Yaw Akosa, and Mama Esther Konadu, among others. Both the legal battle and the funeral date controversy continue to unfold, keeping the public engaged in the complex aftermath of Daddy Lumba's passing.