The Paramount Chief of Paakoso is demanding the release of the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba’s body from the custody of the Abusuapanin, ahead of plans for another funeral ceremony scheduled for March 2026.
According to sources close to the matter, the Paakoso Chief insists that customary obligations tied to lineage, stool heritage, and traditional rites have not been fully satisfied, necessitating a separate funeral observance under his authority. The demand, which has sparked debate among family elders and cultural observers, underscores the complex role of chieftaincy and tradition in funeral arrangements, particularly for prominent figures.
The Abusuapanin, who traditionally serves as the head of the extended family and custodian of funeral arrangements, is said to be resisting the request, citing established family decisions and prior rites already performed. This has raised questions about jurisdiction, customary precedence, and the appropriate handling of the remains of a national cultural icon.
Daddy Lumba, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential musicians, holds immense cultural significance, making funeral-related decisions highly sensitive. Analysts note that disputes of this nature are not uncommon when traditional authority, family leadership, and public interest intersect.
Cultural experts explain that in Akan tradition, different stools or family branches may claim the right to perform specific rites, especially where ancestry or settlement history is contested. However, such disputes are usually resolved through mediation by senior traditional councils to avoid escalation.
As of now, no official ruling has been announced by a traditional council or court on the matter. Both sides are reportedly engaging elders and opinion leaders in an effort to resolve the proposed March 2026 funeral date.
The chief, accompanied by his elders and the first wife of the late Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, revealed plans to organize a second and final funeral ceremony. In a video that has since gained widespread attention, a spokesperson for the traditional council appealed directly to Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu to hand over Daddy Lumba’s remains ahead of the concluding burial rites scheduled for March 2026. Several family members featured in the footage, including Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, Paa Shee, and the son of Ernestina Fosuh, all of whom publicly expressed their support for the proposed arrangements
As of now, no official ruling has been announced by a traditional council or court on the matter. Both sides are reportedly engaging elders and opinion leaders in an effort to resolve the proposed March 2026 funeral date.
Observers are urging calm and dialogue, emphasizing the need to honor the legacy of Daddy Lumba in a manner that upholds tradition, unity, and respect for cultural norms.
