A Kumasi High Court, led by Justice Dorinda Smith-Arthur, has ruled that Akosua Serwaa Fosuh cannot be recognised as the sole surviving spouse of the late highlife icon Daddy Lumba, stating that the evidence she provided did not sufficiently support her claim.
The ruling stems from a dispute over who was rightfully entitled to perform the widowhood rites after Daddy Lumba’s death.
In the hearing on Friday, November 28, the court established that Priscilla Ofori, widely known as Odo Broni, had a valid customary marriage with the musician. It also confirmed that Akosua Serwaa had a customary marriage with him. However, the court dismissed a German marriage certificate she tendered as proof of a civil marriage, explaining that it was only an extract and not an original certificate.
Justice Smith-Arthur concluded that both women should be recognised as surviving spouses and must be acknowledged by the Abusuapanyin during the widowhood rites. She also emphasised that nothing should obstruct the removal and burial of the late artiste.
The decision follows an earlier dismissal of Akosua Serwaa’s injunction application, which sought to halt funeral arrangements by the extended family. The court reiterated that, according to Ghanaian customary law, the deceased’s body and burial arrangements fall under the authority of the matrilineal family.
Source: Citinews
