The civil marriage which legally joined the late Ghanaian musician Charles Kwadwo Fosuh alias Daddy Lumba and Akosua Serwah Fosuh as husband and wife does not exist anymore because the wife is alleged to have presented traditional drinks to the family of the late musician when he was alive and expressed an intention to seek divorce, the Fosu Royal Family has stated.
Akosua Serwah Fosuh has also been told by the Fosu Family that even if her name ever appears in the funeral brochures of Daddy Lumba at all, she should consider that as a favour from the family to her because of the children she has with the deceased.
The Family has also warned Akosua Serwah Fosuh to stay away from all and any of Daddy Lumba’s properties.
They have made it known to her in plain and straightforward English language that the only wife of the late musician known to the Fosu Royal Family and accepted by same is Odo Broni.
“Priscilla Ofori (a.k.a Odo Broni) is married to the late Daddy Lumba and was the woman who lived with him through thick and thin and were blessed with six (6) children for over fifteen (15) years they lived together till his final day on earth”, the statement noted.
This jaw-dropping twist that a civil marriage which occurred between two consenting adults on 23rd December 2004 in Bornheim, Germany under German Civil marriage laws has been quashed by the alleged presentation of “traditional drinks” to the family of the husband in Ghana without any of the married parties filing a dissolution of marriage petition and receiving a divorce decree has sparked a raging controversy over how to dissolve a civil marriage.
The Fosu Royal Family of Parkoso and Nsuta in the Ashanti Region, put out the statement through their lawyers, in response to complaints by Mrs. Akosua Serwah Fosuh about the funeral and estate of the late musician, Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, who she still insists is her legally married husband both under German and Ghanaian laws on civil marriage.
Akosua Serwah Fosuh, in her complains, insists on being recognized as the widow of the late music legend and as widow, she has specific rights in running of the funeral and subsequent pre-burial issued.
The Fosu Royal Family, in their statement issued by Baba Jamal & Associates, accused Akosua Serwah Fosuh of abandoning Daddy Lumba when he was in need of medical attention. This accusation, was not backed by any form of evidence and has not been proven to be true or otherwise.
The statement, addressed to Akosua Serwah Fosuh, through her lawyers, read further:
“Our instructions are that, your client, Akosua Serwah Fosuh of Germany refused to relocate with her then husband Daddy Lumba to Ghana for medical help when the latter was seriously ill some 15 years ago and therefore deserted him in his difficult time of need.
“Your client on 4th February, 2018 wrote to the late Daddy Lumba expressing her intentions to initiate divorce proceedings against him raising many unfounded allegations which the late Daddy Lumba denied. In a letter dated 27th February, 2018 the then Lawyers for the late Daddy Lumba responded to the letter and called the bluff of your client to proceed with her threats to initiate divorce proceedings since he had moved on with his life after her desertion.
“We wish to state that your client has already presented traditional drinks to the family of the late Daddy Lumba to signify the dissolution of the marriage which the late Daddy Lumba acknowledged. By the traditions of the Akans generally and Fosu Royal family in particular, which we have no doubt you are familiar with, the presentation of drinks by a wife to the family of the husband when accepted effectively dissolves the marriage between the two.
“Also, when a person is deceased the body and funeral arrangements of the person belongs to the family and therefore your client has no right to determine how the Fosu Royal family buries their dead. Your client’s name, if it appears in the funeral brochures at all, will be a favour from the family because of the children she has with him.
“Our client informs us that, Priscilla Ofori (a.k.a Odo Broni) is married to the late Daddy Lumba and was the woman who lived with him through thick and thin and were blessed with six (6) children for over fifteen (15) years they lived together till his final day on earth.
“Suffice it to say that, when your client deserted the late Daddy Lumba, Odo Broni was there for him. It is therefore our clear instructions to state that, Odo Broni is a recognized wife of the late Daddy Lumba and same is recognized by the Fosu Royal family.
“In respect of the properties of the late Daddy Lumba, we wish to state that all his properties forms part of his estate which the family together with the children of the late Daddy Lumba and their mothers shall work together to ensure fair distribution to all who are entitled to benefit. Until then, let all persons stay away from the properties till it is properly and legally dealt with. We therefore advice your client to work and comply with the decisions of the Fosu Royal family to ensure a peaceful and befitting funeral for their late royal.
“As the last lawyers of the late Daddy Lumba before his demise, we have in our custody some instructions from the late Daddy Lumba which serves as a guide to the family as to how he wants his funeral and burial to be conducted as well as the distribution of his estate.
“Finally, to avoid any unproductive litigation among the family and the children that may result in shame for the dead, the Fosu family is open to all for peaceful discussions including your client to ensure a befitting burial for the late Daddy Lumba”, the statement concluded.
It was signed by Fati Ali-Yallah Esq. for Baba Jamal & Associates, lawyers for the Fosu Royal Family.
