High Court Affirms Dual-Spouse Status in Daddy Lumba Marital Dispute

The Kumasi High Court has delivered a defining judgment in the widely followed marital dispute involving the late Ghanaian music icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.

The court has ruled that both Priscilla Ofori Atta (Odo Broni) and Akosua Serwaa Fosuh qualify as lawful spouses of the musician.

The decision concludes months of legal contention and public speculation over which of the two women was entitled to perform widowhood rites and participate in decisions concerning Lumba’s funeral and estate.

Court’s Position

Though the full written judgment is yet to be released, information emerging from the courtroom indicates that Akosua Serwaa was unable to provide an original copy of the civil-marriage certificate she claimed to have contracted with the musician in Germany in 2004.

What was tendered as evidence, the court noted, were extracts rather than a certified, original marriage document.

How the Dispute Began

The confusion began after the musician’s passing on 26 July 2025.

On 3 October 2025, Akosua Serwaa filed a suit requesting the court to pronounce her as the sole surviving lawful spouse, relying on the German civil marriage she claimed existed.

She further sought to prevent the family head, Kofi Owusu Fosu, and rival claimant, Odo Broni, from taking part in matters relating to the funeral.

Lawyers for the defendants opposed her claims, insisting that under customary law, Akosua Serwaa had effectively ended her marriage to the musician when she allegedly returned the head drinks, a move that symbolises dissolution under traditional practice.

They also maintained that Odo Broni had been the continuous partner of the musician for over 15 years and was the mother of six of his children.

Challenge Over Late-Submitted Documents

On 25 November 2025, Akosua Serwaa presented what she described as original documents from Germany, accompanied by translated and notarised copies.

The defence, however, questioned the authenticity of those documents, pointing to inconsistent font types, variations in seals and questionable notary signatures. They also complained about their late submission.

Judge’s Notable Observation

Presiding judge, Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur, had earlier remarked during the proceedings that both civil and customary marriages are independently recognised under Ghanaian law.

This means that the existence of one does not invalidate the other, a position that paved the way for the court’s final conclusion.

Final Determination

In its verdict, the court declared that both Akosua Serwaa and Odo Broni are to be recognised as spouses of the late Daddy Lumba, granting each woman legal standing in the performance of widowhood rites and in all other matters concerning the musician’s estate and funeral arrangements.

The ruling adds a significant new layer to public discourse on Ghana’s dual marriage systems, particularly in cases where customary tradition and foreign civil marriages intersect.