Daddy Lumba's burial 'illegal', body must be exhumed - GaDangme leaders

The GaDangme traditional leadership has issued a firm directive that the body of late Highlife legend Daddy Lumba must be exhumed from his burial site at his East Legon residence, describing the interment as impermissible under Ga land customs.

Rev Ankrah, spokesperson for the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse and Spiritual Overlord of the GaDangme State, made the declaration on Monday, March 17, 2026, adding that the traditional authorities are actively monitoring all reports surrounding the matter.

"Regarding the illegal burial of Daddy Lumba in the soil of Nungua, it is not permissible. That very body must be exhumed, and the place for it must be taken to," Rev Ankrah stated.

He also pushed back strongly against allegations that the traditional leadership had accepted bribes from the Lumba family to drop the matter, saying reports of cows, cattle, other items, and cash being offered to Nungua traditional leaders had reached them from multiple sources.

"We have information coming from various angles. People are alleging that cows, cattle, and other items have been given to the traditional leaders of Nungua. Some are also alleging that money has been given to Nungua concerning this very matter," he said.

'No incentives received from Lumba's family' - GaDangme leadership insists

What happened?

The development follows a formal summons issued by Wor Lumor Konor Nuumo Borkete Laweh Tsuru, the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse, directing the Lumba family head, Victor Kofi Owusu, also known as Abusuapanyin Tupac, to appear at the Nungua Palace on March 13, 2026, to address public concerns over the alleged private burial.

Neither Owusu nor any representative of the family appeared on the scheduled date.

Daddy Lumba, widely regarded as one of Ghana's greatest Highlife artists, passed away recently.

His burial at a private residence in Accra rather than Kumasi has sparked controversy, with GaDangme custodians insisting that the land on which the property sits falls under their jurisdiction and that proper protocols were not followed.

Watch the video below:

“The illegal burial of Daddy Lumba in the soil of Nungua is not permissible, that very body must be exhumed.” - Rev. Guess Ankrah, Spokesperson for Gborbu Wulomor’s palace pic.twitter.com/sde5CrcKHw

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) March 17, 2026