Leadership Dispute Rocks Daddy Lumba’s Family as Head of Family Defies Removal Orders

The family of the iconic Ghanaian Highlife musician Daddy Lumba is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis following mounting calls for the removal of Victor Kofi Owusu, the head of family (Abusuapanyin). The controversy has its roots in dissatisfaction regarding the organization of funeral rites and broader grievances concerning family governance. Owusu has remained defiant in the face of these demands, asserting his legitimacy and challenging the authority of the faction seeking his ouster. This internal rift has escalated to the point of attracting formal traditional scrutiny, highlighting deep-seated tensions within the Ekuona family.

The primary opposition to Owusu’s leadership is reportedly led by a figure known as Mama China, whom Owusu has publicly discredited. In a recent interview addressing the allegations, the Abusuapanyin claimed that Mama China lacks the traditional standing to demand his removal, asserting that she is not a member of the Ekuona family. The dispute has moved beyond mere verbal disagreements, with disgruntled family members issuing a two-week ultimatum for Owusu to appear before local chiefs to address their specific grievances. Despite this pressure, Owusu maintains that his primary accountability regarding funeral matters lies with his immediate family and not with external agitators.

A significant element of Owusu’s defense is his firm assertion that only the Asantehene, the King of the Asante Kingdom, holds the traditional authority to strip him of his title. By invoking the jurisdiction of the Asantehene, Owusu has signaled that he will not be swayed by localized pressure or unauthorized demands for his resignation. As the two-week deadline for his appearance before local chiefs approaches, the situation remains a stalemate. The resolution of this conflict will likely depend on formal mediation by traditional authorities to restore unity and ensure the proper management of the family's affairs.