In what was a ceremony befitting that of royal grandeur yesterday at the village of Tubou in Lakeba, a new chapter was written for the people of Lau. 20 years ago, the seat of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau was left vacant after the late Turaga Bale Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara passed away.
Yesterday, that vacuum was finally filled. Lau saw the installation of its paramount chief, the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.
At 7am, the entourage of His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u arrived on the village green to the sounds of the women calling out in unison ‘tuwe, tuwe’ signalling and announcing the arrival of royalty.
At around 8 o’clock, guests began filing into the Tubou Methodist Church, high chiefs from around Fiji which included former President and Turaga na Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. Members of the diplomatic corps including China’s ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian and India High Commissioner Shri Suneet Mehta members of the Vuanirewa clan, family and other invited guests.
Outside around the church, thousands sat and watched the ceremony that was shown on two huge LED screens.
It was a solemn service led by His Grace Archbishop Peter Loy Chong the head of the Catholic church in Fiji and President of the Methodist Church in Fiji Reverend Dr Semisi Turagavou.
A special oil made by the women of Cicia was used to anoint Ratu Tevita. This is a special oil made from various plants and oils and is only made for the blessing of their paramount chief. The last time it was made and used was in 1969 when Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was installed.
In the service, Ratu Tevita was admonished to lead the people of Lau with wisdom, with grace and with strength.
“Go with the blessings of God into what He has called you into. Nothing will befall you because the spirit of God is with you, His spirit dwells within you every step of the way.”
Walking out of the church, Ratu Tevita was wearing the i salasiga signalling the vanua’s choosing and anointing. The i salasiga is a specially-made head adornment.
Ratu Tevita then came onto the specially made dias where the traditional protocols of installation as the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau took place.
Native Land and Fisheries Commission Chairman Apimeleki Tola then confirmed the Veitarogi Vanua’s recognition of Ratu Tevita as the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau in what was a moving speech.
He was then carried aloft in a specially made traditional platform to the seafront for a traditional bath after which he made his way back to Tubou.
Roko Tui Lau Jioji Kalounivalu said the culmination of the special ceremonies meant the deed of the vanua was finally done and the Province could now move forward in unison and totality.
“The seat for our paramount chief is no longer vacant. The province is now whole again, we now have a leader who will chart our course forward, come what may.”
“It has been a long time coming. After the Turaga na Tui Nayau returned from Tonga, the chiefly clan along with the chiefs felt it was time to begin the discussion about who was to ascend to the high seat.”
“Our province is now complete. We can confidently move ahead.”
Yesteday’s installation ended with feasting or pola where lengthy tables of food is carried through the village to the arena accompanied with singing and dancing.
