Odo Broni (R) and Akosua Serwaa (L) are legal spouses of Daddy Lumba
In a landmark judgement that possibly brings an end to months of legal tensions, the Kumasi High Court ruled that both Priscilla Ofori Atta, popularly known as Odo Broni, and Akosua Serwaa Fosuh are valid spouses of the late Highlife icon Charles Kwadwo Fosu (Daddy Lumba).
The ruling, delivered on Friday, formally recognises both women as legitimate wives and allows each of them to perform widowhood rites.
It also settles the long-standing public debate over who has the rightful claim to his estate and who legally qualifies as his widow.
Although the full reasoning behind the judgement is yet to be released, the court indicated that Akosua Serwaa did not present a true, certified copy of the marriage certificate she claimed to have from a 2004 civil marriage with the musician in Bornheim, Germany.
Instead, the court noted that the documents submitted were extracts and not original certified records.
Lawyer and head of the legal team for Akosua Serwaa, William Kusi, speaking after the judgement, confirmed the ruling and said they would abide by the judgement.
“The judge said the certificate was not an original but rather an extract. She also said the signatures on the documents provided were not visible.
“For now, we will abide by the ruling. The decision of whether to appeal or not lies with her (Akosua Serwa),” he said.
Background
The dispute began shortly after Daddy Lumba’s death on July 26, 2025, sparking a bitter feud between the two women.
On October 3, 2025, Akosua Serwaa filed a suit seeking to be declared the sole lawful spouse, relying on the alleged civil marriage.
She also sought an injunction to prevent the musician’s family head, Kofi Owusu Fosu, and Odo Broni from participating in widowhood and funeral rites.
The defence countered that Serwaa’s customary marriage had been dissolved through the traditional return of “head drinks,” while Odo Broni — who lived with Daddy Lumba for over 15 years and had six children with him — was the rightful widow under customary practice.
In Court
During the November 25 proceedings, Akosua Serwaa’s legal team submitted what they said were original documents from Germany, supported by notary translations.
Defense lawyers challenged their authenticity, pointing out inconsistencies in notary stamps, signatures, and font types, and noting that the documents were presented late in the trial.
Presiding judge Dorinda Smith Arthur observed that under Ghanaian family law, a valid civil marriage and a valid customary marriage can co-exist independently, opening the door for the recognition of multiple marital claims.
Final Ruling
The court ultimately held that both women qualify as spouses of the late musician, granting them rights regarding widowhood rituals, funeral involvement, and future estate considerations.
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