The Kumasi High Court has ruled that both Akosua Serwaa and Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni, should be recognised as the surviving spouses of the late highlife icon Charles Kwadwo Fosu (Daddy Lumba).
The decision, delivered by Justice Dorinda Smith-Arthur, followed weeks of legal contention over who qualifies as the rightful widow of the celebrated musician.
In her ruling, Justice Smith-Arthur held that the plaintiff, Akosua Serwaa, failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that she was the sole surviving spouse of the artiste.
The court established that Priscilla Ofori was customarily married to Daddy Lumba before his passing. It also confirmed that Akosua Serwaa had a valid customary marriage with the musician, but rejected a German marriage certificate she presented, describing it as an extract and not an original document and therefore inadmissible as proof of a civil marriage.
With evidence supporting both customary unions, the court concluded that both women must be recognised by the family’s Abusuapanyin in all widowhood rites.
Justice Smith-Arthur further ruled that no impediment should delay the removal and burial of Daddy Lumba, clearing the way for the family to proceed with funeral arrangements.
