New tweak: Court orders GH¢2m payment or Daddy Lumba’s funeral will proceed

The countdown to Daddy Lumba’s funeral has taken another dramatic turn. The Accra High Court has ordered the maternal family of the late highlife legend—who are the applicants in an ongoing burial dispute—to pay GH₵2 million by 2:00 p.m. today, or allow the funeral to proceed as scheduled on Saturday, December 13.

The court clarified that the amount is intended to cover funeral-related costs already incurred, in case the burial is later halted following the final determination of the case.

This directive follows an earlier injunction that restrained the family head, Kofi Owusu, from organising the funeral and barred Transitions Funeral Home from releasing the body from the mortuary.

Applicants Object to New Directive

Lawyers representing the applicants argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to vary its earlier interlocutory orders without a formal motion on notice. They noted that the injunction had been granted around 10:00 a.m. today and that no application seeking a variation had been served on them.

The applicants also contended that raising and depositing GH₵2 million within less than two hours was practically impossible, posing serious logistical challenges.

They requested that the original orders be maintained and that any obligation to pay funeral-related costs should only arise after the final determination of the case. Instead, they proposed signing an undertaking to pay, as previously directed by the court.

The lawyers further warned that varying the order so soon could create a misleading public impression that circumstances had changed following the initial ruling.

Respondents Argue for Higher Amount

Lawyers for the respondents opposed the objection, stating that significant costs had already been incurred, including invitations to dignitaries and payments to contractors. They argued that GH₵2 million was insufficient and urged the court to increase the amount beyond GH₵5 million, warning that contractors would begin demanding payment as early as the next day.

“It is only fair that the applicants put their money where their heart and mind is,” counsel said, describing the review as fair, just, and equitable, allowing both parties to assert their claims. The respondents also requested the court to reduce the time for payment and to instruct Transitions Funeral Home to release the body should the applicants fail to comply, subject to the settlement of outstanding fees.

Additionally, they sought clarification on the status of the Daddy Lumba LBG Foundation account held by the second respondent, noting that the court had previously ordered a separation of funeral proceeds from the foundation’s funds.

Court’s Ruling

The court clarified that no order was being made regarding the Daddy Lumba LBG Foundation or the second respondent. However, it ordered that if the applicants fail to meet the GH₵2 million payment by the stated deadline, the third respondent—Transitions Funeral Home—is to release the body, allowing the funeral to proceed while ensuring outstanding fees are settled.

The court maintained that its orders stand, setting the stage for the funeral to go ahead unless the applicants comply with the financial condition imposed.