Controversial Ghanaian broadcaster Captain Smart has made headlines once again after issuing a bold and unapologetic warning to Akosua Serwaa, the first wife of late highlife legend Daddy Lumba, amid a brewing legal battle over the musician’s funeral arrangements.
The outspoken journalist, known for his fearless opinions on national and social matters, waded into the ongoing dispute surrounding the planned funeral of Daddy Lumba, whose family recently announced that the final rites would be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
According to the family spokesperson and former Member of Parliament for Manhyia North, Collins Amankwah, elaborate preparations had already been made to ensure that the late icon received a grand and befitting send-off. The funeral, he said, would be one of the most memorable in Ghana’s entertainment history — a national celebration of the life and legacy of a man whose music shaped generations.
However, just days after the announcement, reports emerged that Akosua Serwaa, the musician’s first wife, had filed a court injunction to halt the funeral. The injunction reportedly cited multiple parties, including the family head Victor Kofi Owusu Boahene, Transitions Funeral Home, and Odo Broni, the woman alleged to be Lumba’s second wife.
Akosua Serwaa’s legal action, sources suggest, stems from disagreements over how the funeral arrangements were made, as well as the recognition of individuals who she believes should not be involved in the process. Her move to seek a legal restriction quickly drew public attention, fueling discussions about family rights, spousal recognition, and cultural protocols when it comes to the burial of public figures.
But Captain Smart, speaking passionately on his Onua Maakye morning show on Friday, October 10, dismissed the injunction as insignificant, insisting that the funeral would proceed as planned, no matter what. His tone was fierce and confident, as he declared that not even the law could stop the ceremony from taking place.
“Daddy Lumba’s funeral will be held on December 6. No one can stop it from happening,” Captain Smart said firmly on live television.
He went further to issue a daring challenge to any court official or bailiff who might attempt to serve the injunction on the day of the funeral. According to him, such an attempt would be pointless, especially considering the high-profile nature of the event and the dignitaries expected to attend, including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“If you are a bailiff and you see Otumfuo sitting under his palanquin at the funeral, bring the court injunction. Bring it there—we will be waiting for you,” he declared in a fiery tone.
Captain Smart argued that the presence of the Asantehene automatically made the funeral a traditional and royal event, which could not be interrupted or stopped by any civil action. He emphasized that, by Asante custom, once Otumfuo has been invited and confirmed attendance, the event transcends ordinary social gatherings — it becomes a cultural ceremony protected by traditional authority.
His comments have since sparked mixed reactions across social media and within sections of the Ghanaian public. Some people have praised him for standing up for tradition and supporting the late musician’s family, arguing that certain matters, especially those tied to cultural heritage, should not be dictated solely by legal systems.
Others, however, have condemned his remarks, describing them as disrespectful to Ghana’s judicial system and a dangerous attempt to promote lawlessness. Critics argue that while traditional authority is vital, no one — not even a revered chief — should be considered above the law.
Legal experts who weighed in on the issue have also called for caution, noting that any defiance of a valid court injunction could result in contempt charges. Some have advised the family to engage in proper legal consultation to ensure that the funeral does not violate any ongoing court process.
Meanwhile, Captain Smart has remained unapologetic. He maintains that the planned funeral should not be delayed or canceled over what he describes as “unnecessary drama.” To him, Daddy Lumba’s contributions to Ghanaian music deserve national honor and unity, not disputes and legal confrontations.
The controversy has also reopened public conversations about the personal life of Daddy Lumba, one of Ghana’s most celebrated musicians. Throughout his career, Lumba was known not only for his timeless music but also for his complex personal relationships. His name has often been associated with love stories, heartbreaks, and controversies — themes that also reflected in his songs.
As the debate rages, the late musician’s fans have expressed their hope that the issue will be resolved peacefully before the scheduled funeral date. Many have called for unity among the family and stakeholders to give Daddy Lumba the dignified farewell he deserves.
On social media, hashtags such as #LumbaForever and #RespectOurLegend have begun trending, with fans sharing fond memories of the highlife icon and expressing sadness that legal battles are overshadowing his legacy.
Despite the backlash, Captain Smart insists that his position is not about disrespecting the court but about preserving cultural dignity. He believes that once a king of Otumfuo’s stature graces an event, no individual — whether a family member or a judge — should attempt to disrupt it.
“You can’t serve an injunction where Otumfuo sits,” he emphasized. “That’s not how we do things in Asanteman. We respect the law, but tradition must also be respected.”
As it stands, all eyes are now on December 6, 2025, to see whether the much-publicized funeral of Daddy Lumba will go on as planned or if the court’s intervention will alter the arrangements. What remains certain, however, is that Captain Smart’s comments have once again stirred national debate — one that sits at the crossroads of law, culture, and respect for legacy.
0 Comments