Tonga's King And Queen In Fiji For Historic Chiefly Investiture
The King and Queen of Tonga are being feted in Fiji during historic ceremonies to present three chiefly titles to Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara this week.
The prestigious titles of Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau are being bestowed upon Ratu Tevita, the son of Fiji's first prime minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara.
Hundreds of people gathered on Nayau Island in Lau - northeast of Fiji's main island - on Tuesday for a grand ceremony to witness the island's kingmakers present Ratu Tevita with the first title, Turaga Tui Nayau.
Ratu Tevita, a former military general, fled to Tonga in 2011 and went into exile after the then Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama wanted him tried for treason.
He had fallen out with one of his right-hand men when he was removed from the military's 3FIR platoon.
The Bainimarama administration banned him from entering Fiji again - something that only became possible after the government of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka came into power in December 2022.
Today's ceremony was highly significant because the titles have been vacant for more than two decades, following the death of Ratu Tevita's father in 2004.
The state broadcaster FBC reports that the state visit by King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u symbolises the shared heritage and deep historical and cultural ties between Lau and Tonga.
"The visit will strengthen bilateral relations and regional collaboration between our two nations. It represents the deep bonds of friendship, cultural and historical links, and our shared commitment to advancing regional peace and prosperity of the Pacific family."
The FBC said the visit provides the two nations with an opportunity to deepen cooperation on mutual priorities, such as climate change, economic resilience and sustainable development.
The people of Lau are reportedly excited by the prospect of renewed leadership and unity.
"The historic transition symbolizes the strengthening of connections across the Lau group and ushers in a new era of solidarity among the vanua," the FBC said.
According to fijivillage.com, Ratu Tevita has drunk from a traditional installation cup and is proceeding to the sacred pools for the customary cleansing rites.
Ratu Tevita, also known as Roko Ului, is being guarded by Bati Leka and Bati Balavu.
The leader of the Matanivanu clan of Vuninaya Akuila Qalo, 63, will confer the title, which was given to Ratu Sir Kamisese in 1969.
The paramount chief of Macuata and a former president Ratu Wiliame Katonivere; the paramount chief of Rewa and former opposition leader Ro Teimumu Kepa; and the paramount chief of Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, are part of the ceremony.
A government delegation, including the Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu and other government stakeholders, is attending the ceremony.
The Maori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te Pō will attend the ceremony to present the other two titles to Ratu Tevita on Thursday at Tubou village.
A100-man Guard of Honour is being accorded to King Tupou in Suva at the State House ahead of Thursday's ceremony.
King Tupou is set to meet the Fijian President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and then attend a State banquet before leaving for Tubou village in Lakeba for the ceremony.
Local media report that the King and Queen will be in Fiji until Saturday.
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