Otumfuo’s Akyeamehene, Nana Kofi Agyei, has clarified the traditional authority of the Abusuapanyin (family head) in funerals and family matters, emphasising that no matter the situation or internal disagreements, the family head is the one entrusted with leading all critical rites, including the pouring of libation for the deceased.
Speaking during a discussion on the ongoing dispute within the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba’s extended family, Nana Kofi Agyei stressed that custom places the Abusuapanyin above all other relations when it comes to decision-making.
“In our tradition, when it comes to family disputes and important occurrences, the Abusuapanyin has more authority than even kings or chiefs of the town,” he said. “It is the words and decisions of the family head that stand.”
He explained that while sisters, mothers, uncles, nieces, and other relatives may express their views, the final call rests with the family head. “If the family relations make a decision and the Abusuapanyin rejects it, his decision is final. All directives he gives must be respected,” he added.
Nana Kofi Agyei detailed the crucial stages at which the Abusuapanyin performs libation and leads the rituals:
- When the body is removed from the mortuary
- During the laying-in-state
- When the body is being taken to the cemetery
- At the cemetery before interment
- At the 40-day, 80-day, and one-year memorial rites
“At every critical point of the funeral, it is the family head who pours libation,” he emphasised. “All important decisions and celebrations in the family are headed by the Abusuapanyin.”
The clarification comes in the wake of a disagreement within Daddy Lumba’s extended family regarding who has the authority to perform certain funeral rites and make final decisions concerning traditional processes. The dispute, which has attracted public attention, revolves around conflicting claims of relationship, legitimacy, and who rightfully qualifies to lead rites connected to the late relative at the centre of the misunderstanding.
