Why Lumba's family head was fined by Manhyia over ‘Great Oath’ invocation

The Manhyia Palace has fined Kofi Owusu, family head of the late highlife icon Charles Kwadwo Fosu, better known as Daddy Lumba, after the musician’s sister invoked the Great Oath of the Asantehene during an ongoing court case over the late singer’s marital status.

The dramatic turn of events occurred on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, following a court hearing in Kumasi, where Akosua Serwaa, the first wife of the late musician, is challenging claims over who should be recognised as Daddy Lumba’s lawful spouse.

After the court session, Ernestina Akosua Bimpomaa, the late artist’s sister, invoked the Great Oath (Ntam Kɛseɛ) — one of the highest and most sacred oaths in Asante custom. Under traditional law, such an act immediately halts civil proceedings and transfers jurisdiction to the Manhyia Palace, where chiefs preside over the matter.

At the subsequent hearing, chaired by the Saamanhene and other chiefs, Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu was fined two sheep for failing to contest the oath when it was invoked.

According to palace sources, the animals will be used to perform purification rites to revoke the oath and avert possible spiritual consequences.

Under Asante customary law, the invocation of the Great Oath is treated with utmost seriousness, as it symbolises a direct appeal to the Asantehene’s authority and carries both spiritual and legal implications.

With the traditional phase now underway, the Manhyia Palace will oversee deliberations to determine the rightful claimant to the late musician’s estate and marital recognition.

Meanwhile, the formal court proceedings are expected to resume on November 12, 2025, pending the outcome of the traditional arbitration.

The case continues to attract national attention, highlighting the delicate balance between customary law and the formal judicial system in resolving family and inheritance disputes in Ghana.