Akosua Serwaa's name in Lumba's brochure will be a favour, not her right – Family

The family of the late Ghanaian highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has rejected assertions by Akosua Serwaa Fosu that she is the musician’s legally wedded wife.

According to the family, any inclusion of her name in his funeral brochure would be a gesture of goodwill rather than an entitlement.

In a statement dated October 1, 2025, issued by their legal representatives, Baba Jamal and Associates, and widely circulated on social media, the Fosu Royal family dismissed Serwaa’s claim to spousal rights, alleging she deserted Lumba 15 years ago during a serious illness and initiated divorce proceedings in 2018.

The family insists that, under Akan tradition, her presentation of traditional drinks to them in 2018 dissolved their marriage.

Daddy Lumba's lawyers challenge Akosua Serwaa's claim over marriage

“Our instructions are that your client, Akosua Serwaa Fosu of Germany, refused to relocate with her then-husband, Daddy Lumba, to Ghana for medical help when the latter was seriously ill some 15 years ago and, therefore, deserted him in his time of need,” the statement read.

It further noted that on February 4, 2018, Akosua Serwaa wrote to Lumba expressing intent to divorce, citing unfounded allegations, and subsequently presented drinks to the family, signifying the marriage’s dissolution under Akan customs.

The family’s response comes amid a legal battle initiated by Serwaa, who filed an interlocutory injunction on October 3, 2025, at the Kumasi High Court against the family head, Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu Fosu, Priscilla Ofori (Odo Broni), and Transitions Funeral Home.

According to Akosua Serwaa, she married Lumba on December 23, 2004, under German law prohibiting bigamy and is therefore demanding her recognition as the sole legitimate spouse, her right to perform widowhood rites, as well as a central role in funeral arrangements which the family has set for December 6, 2025, at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The family, however, asserts that funeral arrangements are their prerogative and not Akosua Serwaa’s.

“When a person is deceased, the body and funeral arrangements belong to the family, and therefore, your client has no right to determine how the Fosu Royal family buries their dead. Your client’s name, if it appears in the funeral brochures at all, will be a favor from the family because of the children she has with him,” the lawyers stated.

The family further recognized Priscilla Ofori, known as Odo Broni, as Lumba’s wife, stating she lived with him for over 15 years, bore six children, and supported him after Serwaa’s alleged desertion.

You refused to relocate, deserted, divorced Daddy Lumba – Family hits back at Akosua Serwaa

“Odo Broni is a recognized wife of the late Daddy Lumba, and the same is recognized by the Fosu Royal family,” the statement affirmed.

The statement by the family follows argument by Akosua Serwaa that claims of Odo Broni’s being Lumba’s legal wife is unlawful, as her German marriage remains valid.

Regarding Lumba’s estate, the statement by the lawyers stated that his properties form part of an estate to be fairly distributed among his children and their mothers, urging Serwaa to comply with their decisions to avoid disputes.

They emphasised that Lumba left instructions for his funeral and property distribution, which they intend to follow, and expressed openness to peaceful discussions for a befitting burial.

GA/MA

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