The Tepamanhene, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem II, has spoken publicly about the latest development surrounding the final funeral rites of the late Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba.
Speaking on UTV’s United Showbiz show with Empress Gifty, he revealed that the rites can only be performed after a traditional hearing is held over the invocation of Otumfuo’s Great Vow (Ntam Kɛseɛ) by one of the musician’s sisters, Ernestina Fosuh.
Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem II clarified that once the Ntam Kɛseɛ has been invoked in such a circumstance, the funeral cannot proceed until the matter is heard and settled by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, or a king he delegates to sit on the case.
He further explained that when someone invokes the Great Vow, especially in a case where the person seeks the truth, all parties involved are required to appear before Otumfuo or his appointed representative so the truth can be established.
When asked if the issue could be resolved by the chief of Daddy Lumba’s hometown, the Tepamanhene firmly rejected that possibility, explaining that it is not within the local chief’s jurisdiction once Otumfuo’s vow has been invoked.
He however added that if the chief of Lumba’s town petitions Otumfuo and the Asantehene considers it proper, he may allow them to settle it at home under his authority.
When pressed further about how long such matters usually take, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem II assured that the issue could be resolved fairly quickly once the necessary summons have been issued.
This who brouhaha about the invocation of Otumfuo’s Great Vow comes after the Kumasi High Court, on October 28, 2025, dismissed the injunction application filed by Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, who is claiming to be Lumba’s only legal wife, who had sought to halt the funeral until she was recognized as the only lawful widow authorized to perform the widowhood rites.
After the court dismissed the case, Ernestina Fosuh, one of Daddy Lumba’s sisters and a supporter of Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, invoked Otumfuo’s Great Vow against the family head and told him that he cannot go ahead with the funeral until the truth is known about what caused their brother’s death.
