Love, law, and legacy—three forces collided in a dramatic courtroom decision that left many Ghanaians debating what truly defines a wife. And here’s where it gets even more intriguing: the Kumasi High Court ruled that the late highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosuh—better known as Daddy Lumba—was legally married to two women, not one.
Last week, the court, led by Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur, declared that both Akosua Serwaa Fosuh and Priscilla Ofori, popularly called Odo Broni, were validly wedded to the famed musician under customary law. The ruling effectively dismissed Akosua Serwaa’s claim that she alone was Daddy Lumba’s lawful wife and therefore the only person entitled to perform his widowhood rites.
Akosua Serwaa argued that her marriage to the musician had been conducted under the Ordinance Law—a civil marriage recognized by state law—which would have nullified any subsequent customary marriage with another woman. However, the judge disagreed. In a packed courtroom on Friday, November 28, 2025, Justice Arthur explained that Serwaa had failed to provide convincing proof that her wedding was registered under the Ordinance. Without such evidence, the second union with Priscilla Ofori could not be considered invalid.
The court made it clear that, under Ghanaian customary law, the deceased’s body legally belongs to his family. As such, it directed the family to proceed with the funeral arrangements and to allow both wives to perform their respective widowhood rites, ensuring equitable recognition.
The Dispute Unpacked
In her lawsuit, Akosua Serwaa had asked the court to grant her exclusive rights to all widowhood rites. She also wanted an injunction preventing Priscilla Ofori—whom she accused of falsely claiming to be the musician’s spouse—from participating in any funeral or traditional ceremonies. Other parties named in the suit included Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu, Head of the Ekuona family at Parkoso in Kumasi, and Transitions Funeral Home in Accra, where Daddy Lumba’s remains are currently being kept.
A Charged Atmosphere Outside the Court
Tensions ran high outside the courthouse as supporters of both women occupied the premises, exchanging verbal attacks and accusations. The scene was almost surreal: a mini-truck decorated with Akosua Serwaa’s banner and blasting highlife music was spotted nearby, reportedly brought in anticipation of a celebration should the ruling favor her. Police officers heightened security, with riot control vehicles stationed around the area to prevent possible clashes.
The Legal Turning Point
Earlier, on October 28, 2025, the same court dismissed an injunction application filed by Akosua Serwaa. Her request sought to halt the late musician’s funeral until her marital claims were resolved. Justice Arthur, however, held that under Ghanaian customary law, authority over the body of the deceased resides with the family, not the spouse. Stopping the family from proceeding, she said, would not be in the broader interest of justice or public order.
What Happens Next
With the legal hurdles cleared, preparations for Daddy Lumba’s final funeral rites have resumed. The widely publicized ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 13 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi—an event expected to draw thousands of fans, family members, and notable personalities from across the nation.
But here’s the part most people miss: this ruling has set off a wider national debate about love, tradition, and legality. Can someone be customarily married to more than one partner and still be seen as legitimate in the eyes of society? Should civil and customary marriages continue to overlap so ambiguously in Ghana’s legal system? Share your thoughts—was the court right to recognize both women as wives, or should one have been declared the rightful widow?
