To release Daddy Lumba's body or not; Court to deliver ruling Friday
By DL News
Published
1 min read
The case was brought by members of the late musician’s maternal family, who insist that, under Akan custom, the right to arrange his funeral lies exclusively with them.
A High Court in Accra has postponed its decision on who is legally entitled to take custody of the body of highlife icon Charles Kwadwo Fosu, widely known as Daddy Lumba, and organise his funeral. The ruling is now expected on Friday, 12 December.
The case was brought by members of the late musician’s maternal family, who insist that, under Akan custom, the right to arrange his funeral lies exclusively with them. They argue that only the maternal lineage has the traditional and legal authority to take charge of his remains, oversee funeral rites and manage any memorial fund.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the presiding judge adjourned the matter to Friday, when the court is expected to clarify who formally holds the mandate to:
organise the funeral;
administer any memorial fund; and
take custody of Daddy Lumba’s remains.
Speaking to journalists after proceedings, Kweku Emmanuel Debrah, representative of the Family Head and first defendant, said the family would respect the outcome and emphasised the need for unity.
“We are waiting for the court ruling. We are all one people, so I don’t want to say something someone will disagree with. Wherever the ruling goes is a victory for us. If we understood each other, we wouldn’t have even come here; that’s why we brought it before the court,” he said.
“We are all waiting for the court, which has the final say, and whatever they say, we will abide by it and work together as a family.”
Highlife musician Papa Shee, who was in court to support the applicants, expressed confidence ahead of Friday’s decision.
“We are glad the judge listened to the lawyers and said we should come tomorrow for the ruling. I know that there will be victory,” he said.
