Effect of Otumfuo’s Great Oath (Ntam Kɛseɛ) on Daddy Lumba’s Funeral

A confrontation erupted outside the Kumasi High Court on October 31, 2025, after proceedings involving the family of the late Highlife legend, Daddy Lumba. His elder sister, Ernestina Fosu, demanded that the planned final funeral rites, set for December 6, 2025, be put on hold until investigations into his death are completed.

To ensure her stance could not be ignored, Ernestina invoked the Otumfuo’s Great Oath, known as the Ntam Kɛseɛ. In Asante custom, this is the highest and most sacred form of oath, used only in serious matters involving injustice or threats to family harmony. Once invoked, it commands direct attention from the Asantehene, who becomes the ultimate authority to resolve the dispute.

The act instantly placed a traditional injunction on all funeral arrangements. Under Asante law, no further action can be taken until the matter is properly heard and settled through the appropriate traditional processes. The Asantehene, or a delegated chief, is required to determine the way forward before any burial plans proceed.

By taking this step, Ernestina has effectively halted her family head, Victor Kofi Owusu, and prevented the funeral from going ahead as scheduled. Her position is centered on ensuring that the truth behind her brother’s death is established before the family carries out the final rites.

The situation now shifts to the traditional authority of Manhyia, where the dispute must be addressed before any new funeral arrangements can be confirmed.