Tensions surrounding the burial of the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba have escalated further, with the Ga Traditional Council issuing a strong warning to media personality Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa, popularly known as Afia Schwarzenegger, over her public comments on the possible exhumation of the musician’s body.

The latest development adds another layer to the growing controversy over claims that the “Aben Wo Ha” hitmaker was buried at his private residence in East Legon, an allegation that has drawn sharp reactions from traditional authorities.

Ga Leaders Insist Burial Breaches Custom

Addressing the media, Reverend Dr. Jesse Ankrah, a spokesperson for the office of the Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, the Chief Priest of the Ga State maintained that if the burial indeed took place within a residential property, it would constitute a breach of Ga customs and traditions.

He explained that under Ga-Dangme cultural practices, burials are strictly restricted to designated areas, and any deviation requires prior traditional consultation and the performance of specific rites.

According to him, the failure of the late musician’s family head, Victor Kofi Owusu Boahen, to honour a formal summons from the traditional authorities has further aggravated the situation.

Failed Appearance Fuels Anger

A letter dated March 10, 2026, from the Gborbu Wulomo’s office had summoned the Abusuapanin to appear before the traditional council on March 12 to clarify the alleged burial arrangement.

However, after waiting for hours at the Nungua Palace, traditional leaders said he failed to show up, sparking frustration among members of the council.

Reverend Ankrah described the absence as disrespectful and warned that it could influence the next course of action, including plans to storm the residence and exhume the body to allow for the necessary rites to purify the land.

Afia Schwarzenegger Pushes Back

The controversy took a dramatic turn after Afia Schwarzenegger publicly criticised the Ga traditional authorities in a video response.

She questioned their authority to carry out such an action, arguing that no one has the right to storm a private residence without legal backing.

She further claimed that there are laws governing burial permits in Ghana, suggesting that the family may have acted within legal boundaries.

Afia Schwarzenegger also cited examples of prominent figures, including former Speaker Peter Ala Adjetey and late broadcaster Komla Dumor, whom she claimed were buried on private properties.

In addition, she suggested that the failure of the Abusuapanin to honour the summons could have been due to scheduling conflicts rather than deliberate disregard.

Ga Council Issues Strong Warning

Responding in an interview, Reverend Ankrah cautioned Afia Schwarzenegger against making public statements on issues she may not fully understand.

“I want to tell Afia Schwar… she should not sit on TV and speak on matters she does not know,” he stated, emphasising that the traditional council is treating the matter with seriousness.

He reiterated that the alleged burial at a private residence violates customary laws and that steps would be taken to ensure that the appropriate traditional processes are followed.

Exhumation Still Under Consideration

The spokesperson further indicated that the council is actively considering its next line of action, including the possible exhumation of the body.

According to him, even if the family is allowed to rebury the late musician at an approved public cemetery, rituals would still be required to pacify the land where the alleged burial took place.

Earlier Tensions at Residence

The dispute has already sparked confrontations at the East Legon residence. In an earlier development, representatives of the Ga traditional authorities reportedly visited the property to serve notice, leading to a tense exchange with occupants, including a relative identified as “Aunty Cece.”

The incident, captured on video and circulated online, drew widespread reactions and further intensified public debate over the issue.

Growing National Debate

The controversy comes months after Daddy Lumba’s death on July 26, 2025, and his widely attended funeral in Kumasi in December 2025.

Since then, disagreements over burial arrangements, family leadership, and estate management have continued to dominate public discourse, drawing in traditional authorities, legal actors, and public figures.

While Daddy Lumba remains celebrated as one of the most influential musicians, the ongoing disputes over his burial and legacy have increasingly overshadowed the tributes to his life and career.