The countdown to Daddy Lumba’s funeral has taken a significant turn. The Accra High Court has mandated the maternal family of the late highlife icon—who are the petitioners in an ongoing burial dispute—to remit GH₵2 million by 2:00 p.m. today, or permit the funeral to proceed as planned on Saturday, December 13.
The court specified that this amount is meant to cover funeral expenses already incurred, should the burial be subsequently halted following the final resolution of the case.
This order comes after a prior injunction that prohibited the family head, Kofi Owusu, from organizing the funeral and prevented Transitions Funeral Home from releasing the body from the mortuary.
Petitioners Contest New Order
Attorneys representing the petitioners contended that the court did not have the authority to alter its previous interlocutory orders without a formal motion on notice. They pointed out that the injunction was issued around 10:00 a.m. today and that no application seeking a modification had been served to them.
The petitioners further argued that raising and depositing GH₵2 million within a timeframe of less than two hours was virtually unfeasible, presenting significant logistical difficulties.
They requested that the initial orders remain in effect and that any obligation to cover funeral-related expenses should only arise after the final resolution of the case. Instead, they suggested signing an undertaking to pay, as previously instructed by the court.
The attorneys further cautioned that altering the sequence so promptly could lead to a deceptive public perception that conditions had shifted following the initial verdict.
Respondents Advocate for Increased Amount
Counsel for the respondents contested the objection, asserting that considerable expenses had already been incurred, including invitations to dignitaries and payments to contractors. They contended that GH₵2 million was inadequate and urged the court to raise the amount to exceed GH₵5 million, warning that contractors might start demanding payment as soon as the following day.
“It is only just that the applicants invest their resources where their commitment lies,” counsel remarked, characterizing the review as fair, just, and equitable, enabling both parties to assert their claims. The respondents also requested the court to shorten the payment timeline and to direct Transitions Funeral Home to release the body if the applicants do not comply, contingent upon the settlement of outstanding fees.
Moreover, they sought clarification regarding the status of the Daddy Lumba LBG Foundation account held by the second respondent, pointing out that the court had previously mandated a separation of funeral proceeds from the foundation’s assets.
Court’s Decision
The court clarified that no directive was being issued concerning the Daddy Lumba LBG Foundation or the second respondent. However, it ordered that if the applicants do not fulfill the GH₵2 million payment by the specified deadline, the third respondent—Transitions Funeral Home—must release the body, allowing the funeral to proceed while ensuring that outstanding fees are settled.
The court affirmed that its orders remain in effect, establishing the conditions for the funeral to proceed unless the applicants adhere to the financial stipulation imposed.
