Odo Broni leaving the courtroom
The Kumasi High Court has adjourned to October 28, 2025, the case involving Akosua Serwaa, who claims to be the legally wedded wife of the late highlife legend, Daddy Lumba.
The case seeks to determine who has the legal and traditional right to perform the widowhood rites of the celebrated musician.
The late Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away on July 26, 2025. His family has since announced that his final funeral rites will take place on December 6, 2025, at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
However, that event could be affected by the ongoing legal dispute initiated by Akosua Serwaa against Kofi Owusu Fosu, head of Lumba’s extended family, and Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni.
She is seeking a court declaration affirming her status as the only surviving spouse and the sole individual entitled to perform the widowhood rites.
She also wants an injunction restraining Odo Broni from publicly presenting herself as the musician’s wife.
During yesterday’s proceedings, lawyers for the defendants informed the court that they had filed an application to challenge Akosua Serwaa’s legal capacity to bring the matter before the court.
However, Her Ladyship Justice Mrs. Dorinda Smith Arthur declined to hear that motion, explaining that it was not the business before the court for the day.
Counsel for the plaintiff, William Kusi, argued that the court should instead proceed with the hearing of their injunction application to prevent the defendants from interfering in the widowhood rites.
After listening to both sides, Justice Smith Arthur urged the parties to explore an amicable settlement, noting that the case would be given priority if it proceeds.
The court then directed all parties to file their responses within 14 days before adjourning the matter.
Speaking after the proceedings, Mr. Kusi expressed hope that the case would not drag on until December, warning that such a delay could disrupt the scheduled funeral.
In her statement of claim, Akosua Serwaa insists she is the legally wedded wife of Daddy Lumba and that neither she nor her children were consulted before the family announced the funeral date — which they only learned of through social media.
She contends that her marriage to the musician was valid and subsisting at the time of his death.
She further alleges that the family head informed her that she would not be permitted to perform the widowhood rites, a role traditionally reserved for the lawful spouse.
According to her, Odo Broni surfaced after the musician’s death, claiming to have been married to him and to have had children with him.
Akosua Serwaa maintains that any attempt by the family to allow Odo Broni to perform the widowhood rites would be unlawful, as she believes Odo Broni was never legally married to the late Daddy Lumba.
She is therefore asking the court to intervene to prevent what she describes as an injustice that would deny her rightful recognition as the only legally acknowledged wife of the late musician.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi