The family of late Ghanaian highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba, has announced a new date for his final funeral ceremony following weeks of internal conflict and intervention from traditional authorities.
Initially, the funeral had been scheduled for December 6, 2025, but the announcement was followed by intense disagreements within the family, particularly between the family head, Kofi Owusu, and the musician’s elder sister, Ernestina Fosu. The dispute escalated to the point where Ernestina invoked Otumfuo’s “Ntam Kese” — the Great Oath — against Kofi Owusu, compelling both parties to appear before the Saamanhene of the Asantehene’s Traditional Council.
Ernestina Fosu accused the family head of taking unilateral decisions concerning the funeral arrangements, including setting the date and forming a funeral committee without consulting key relatives. She further urged the traditional authorities to dissolve the existing committee and recognise the late musician’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa, as his legitimate widow.
After a series of hearings, the Otumfuo Traditional Council reached a decision on November 10, 2025. The council ruled that the final funeral rites for Daddy Lumba would now take place on December 13, 2025, exactly one week after the previously proposed date. The council also ordered that the current funeral committee be dissolved and directed Ernestina Fosu to look into the circumstances surrounding her brother’s passing.
However, the traditional leaders refrained from making any declaration regarding the ongoing dispute between the musician’s wives, as the matter is currently before the courts. They advised both sides to allow the legal process to determine who is entitled to perform the widowhood rites.
This latest ruling from Manhyia Palace is expected to restore calm within the family and pave the way for a dignified farewell to the legendary musician whose influence on Ghana’s music scene remains unmatched.
