Manhyia Palace Sanctions Daddy Lumba’s Family Head Over Invocation of Great Oath

The Manhyia Palace has imposed a fine of two sheep on Kofi Owusu, head of the family of the late highlife icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, widely known as Daddy Lumba. The sanction follows the invocation of the Great Oath of the Asantehene by the musician’s sister, Ernestina Akosua Bimpomaa.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, during a court hearing involving a dispute filed by Akosua Serwaa, the late musician’s first wife, over the rightful recognition of Lumba’s lawful spouse.

After the court session, Ernestina Akosua Bimpomaa reportedly invoked the Great Oath (Ntam Kɛseɛ) — a sacred traditional declaration that automatically redirects the matter to the Manhyia Palace for settlement under Asante customary law.

In accordance with custom, the case was subsequently heard by the Saamanhene and a panel of chiefs at the palace. Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu was found liable for not immediately countering the invocation and was thus fined two sheep as required by Asante tradition.

The sheep, according to palace sources, are to be used in purification rites to neutralize the spiritual consequences associated with the oath and restore harmony among the parties involved.

Traditionally, any issue involving the Great Oath is considered beyond the jurisdiction of civil courts and must be adjudicated exclusively at the Manhyia Palace under the authority of the Asantehene.