A tense confrontation erupted at the Kumasi High Court when a key family member of the late highlife star Daddy Lumba insisted that every burial arrangement be suspended until the exact cause of his passing is officially clarified.
The singer’s sister, Akosua Brempomaa, challenged the family’s head, Abusuapanin Victor Kofi Owusu, moments after the court session ended. Her position was simple — no funeral until the truth of what ended her brother’s life is fully uncovered.
What was initially a disagreement quickly transformed into a culturally significant moment. In a bold move grounded in Asante tradition, she invoked the Otumfuo’s Great Oath. Within Asanteman, this sacred oath is rarely used and only in matters of extreme seriousness. Once invoked, traditional authorities are required to halt whatever process is being disputed and dig deeply into the matter.
Because of this drastic step, the power to settle the dispute has shifted from ordinary family decision-making to the higher traditional judicial system. The Sumankwaahene has now summoned Akosua Brempomaa to explain why she called upon such a revered oath and to justify her stance that the funeral must not proceed.
The dramatic showdown has now placed the late musician’s burial on hold while the family — and traditional leadership — determine how to address the concerns raised about the circumstances surrounding his death.
