Ever wondered how quickly public opinion can spiral in the heat of family disputes involving celebrities? When emotions run high, lines are crossed, and respect hangs by a thread. The recent developments in the saga of late highlife legend Daddy Lumba’s funeral rites have once again put a spotlight on one question: “How far is too far when media personalities speak about sensitive family matters?”
Inside Story: Family Head Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu Breaks His Silence
In a revelation that has struck a nerve far beyond Ghana’s borders, Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu, the chief custodian of the late Daddy Lumba’s family, has publicly admonished journalists, bloggers, and talk show hosts. His message? Exercise caution. Show regard. Never let the urge for trending headlines outweigh decency.
Standing before reporters just after the Kumasi High Court dismissed an injunction seeking to block arrangements for Daddy Lumba’s final rites, Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu’s disappointment was palpable. According to him, what began as family grief had, through the lens of a few vocal media practitioners, become a theatre of disrespect.
High Court Ruling: The Turning Point in Daddy Lumba’s Funeral Dispute
Let’s face it—when it comes to family and tradition in West Africa, emotions always run deep. Yet, Kofi Owusu painted a troubling picture. He narrated that since legal tussles over Daddy Lumba’s burial surfaced, he’s caught the brunt of direct insults and character attacks from some online voices. In his words:
“I’m not happy at all. Some of these young media people insult me every day because of this funeral issue. I could be old enough to be their father, yet they speak with no respect. They should stop insulting an old man who is the head of a family,”
Who amongst us hasn’t felt embarrassed when elders are disrespected in public? In many Nigerian and Ghanaian homes, a person’s word carries more weight with age. The erosion of such values in the digital media age, according to Kofi Owusu, is not just disappointing—it’s alarming.
After the Court’s Verdict: “We will give my brother a befitting burial”
With the court’s green light, the Owusu family can now proceed with the funeral plans, ending months of wrangling and uncertainty. Reports reveal that relief washed across the faces of Daddy Lumba’s kin as Abusuapanyin Owusu announced:
“The court has given my family and me the green light to organise the funeral, and at this point, no one can stop us. We will work together to give my brother a befitting burial,”
His gratitude to the justice system was evident, but so was his call for a new level of responsibility from the country’s burgeoning media industry. “Decorum and respect must guide how people report on family issues,” Owusu stressed, echoing the sentiment held dear across the continent.
Ghanaian Court’s Stand: Customary Law and the Power of Family
For those still catching up, the courtroom drama reached its crescendo on 28 October 2025. The Kumasi High Court, presided over by Her Ladyship Dorinda Smith Arthur, dismissed an injunction filed by Madam Akosua Serwaa—who reportedly claims to be Daddy Lumba’s legal wife—and his elder sister, Ernestina Fosu. They had asked the court to delay the funeral until “certain matters” could be settled.
However, citing Ghanaian customary law, the judge concluded it is the family who has the right to make decisions regarding a deceased loved one’s remains. This means the much-anticipated funeral—slated for 6 December 2025 at Kumasi’s historic Baba Yara Sports Stadium—can now move ahead, bringing closure to a protracted period of uncertainty.
Lessons for the Media: Where Do We Draw The Line?
Why does this matter for us in Nigeria and across Africa? In the age where “clout chasing” has become a trend, some presenters and bloggers forget that, in our rich cultures, family and elders command utmost reverence. How many times have you cringed hearing elders insulted on radio or online, forgetting that “respect is reciprocal”? That’s the Nigerian parlance—don’t carry big head, respect those before you.
- Report With Care: Family issues, especially after loss, deserve sensitivity.
- Guard Against Online Hostility: As public voices, media professionals shape opinions—there’s power in words, so why not wield it wisely?
- Tradition Still Counts: Courtrooms may decide disputes, but in West African society, elders and customs often have the final say.
Broader Context: Family, Legacy, and Tradition in West Africa
This high-profile dispute isn’t new in our region. Across Nigeria, Ghana, and many parts of Africa, family conflicts over funeral rites or inheritance frequently end up in court. According to a 2023 report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), such disputes can tear even the most respected families apart, with the media often amplifying the drama. But must we always air our dirty linen in public?
Legal experts, such as Lagos-based lawyer Mrs. Amaka Eze, explain that courts across West Africa increasingly recognize rot in traditional values when personal tragedy becomes public spectacle. “The law may settle rights,” she noted, “but it can’t restore lost dignity. That must come from us, the people.”
Moving Forward: Can Media and Families Find Common Ground?
As the dust settles and Daddy Lumba’s family prepares for a final farewell, the broader lesson hits home: loss is hard enough without added drama or disrespect. If you were in their shoes, would you want your grief sensationalized? Or would you call, “abeg, make una let person greet in peace?”
The conversation about journalistic standards, especially around sensitive issues like funerals and family disputes, is far from over. In fact, it’s just starting for many media houses and aspiring bloggers. Who will champion the new wave of respectful, responsible reporting in our digital age?
Key Takeaways: Respect, Responsibility, and the Road Ahead
- The Kumasi High Court’s ruling has empowered Daddy Lumba’s family to proceed with his burial.
- Family head Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu has called on the media to report with respect and professionalism.
- This dispute sheds light on the delicate interplay between tradition, law, and modern media in West Africa.
- Media houses, bloggers, and social influencers must remember the age-old wisdom: “Words can heal, but they can also wound.” Choose yours carefully.
What about you? Where should the lines be drawn in reporting family matters? Have newly emerging social media habits improved or worsened our respect for tradition?
Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to follow us for more balanced, thought-provoking updates.
