Accra — The family feud over the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba has taken a sharp personal turn after a video of the elder matriarch — described in social posts as the singer’s grandmother — went viral, in which she disowned a woman claiming ties to the family and vowed to remove the late musician’s children from her care.
In the clip circulating on TikTok and shared widely on Facebook, the elderly relative is shown angrily insisting that Akosua Serwaa is the only recognised wife of the late Charles Kwadwo Fosuh (Daddy Lumba) and that “we do not acknowledge any other wife.” She reportedly said those who claim otherwise “do not know the family” and threatened to “take all Lumba’s children from her and sack her,” remarks that quickly reignited fierce debate online about the singer’s funeral rites and widowhood rights.
The intervention by senior family members comes against the backdrop of a continuing legal tussle over which of the women linked to the late musician should be treated as his lawful widow. Akosua Serwaa has been publicly assertive, even taking matters to court to be recognised as the legal spouse and to protect her children’s interests; other relatives and parties have contested those claims, leading to fractures within the extended family.
Daddy Lumba’s children have tried to distance themselves from the public fight. In previous statements released through verified family channels they said they were not parties to some of the legal actions and appealed for privacy and dignity during the funeral and burial process. The newly circulated video of the grandmother, however, has forced the children and other elders back into the spotlight as supporters and critics weigh in on social media.
Legal and customary experts note that disputes over widowhood rites and custodial claims in high-profile families can combine formal court action with powerful customary processes — and that family elders’ declarations, while socially influential, do not automatically displace court determinations about custody or inheritance. Lawyers say any attempt to “remove” children or unilaterally “sack” a spouse would face legal scrutiny and would have to follow Ghanaian family law and any existing custody orders.
Reactions on social platforms have been mixed. Some Ghanaian praised the grandmother’s stance as protecting family tradition and the wishes of the late musician, while others criticised the public airing of private family disputes and warned that sensational video clips risk inflaming tensions and spreading misinformation. Media houses covering the story have urged caution and verification, noting that several family statements in recent weeks have sought to correct false claims circulating online.
As the controversy unfolds, family sources indicate more meetings are expected among the Abusua (extended family) leadership and the family’s legal team to clarify positions and decide the next steps. Observers say the coming days are likely to see a mix of customary consultations and legal filings as the family tries to resolve who will oversee funeral rites, the late artist’s estate, and the welfare of his children.
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