By Nanise Volau
THE people of Bau have been urged not to be moved after the arrest of Ratu Epenisa Cakobau by armed troops early today.
Hundreds of people converged on Bau but the installation was ruled wrong by Native Lands Commissioner Ratu Vananalagi Vesikula late yesterday.
Vesikula said that after consulting the Minister for I Taukei Affairs and Prime Minister Frank Baimimarama, the installation could not go ahead because procedures had not been followed.
The church service was held to pray for Ratu Epenisa who is currently at Criminal Investigation Department headquarters in Toorak, Suva.
Police said his detention followed reports that the installation would go ahead.
Ratu Tevita Nauluvatu welcomed the congregation who had travelled from abroad and around Fiji to be part of the occasion.
“Let’s not go against the law but remain steadfast with faith that God will see us through,”
Ratu Tevita said. “Even if we have to stand alone because we will fight the truth.” Women and children bowed their heads with tears flowing down their faces.
Among them were Ratu Epenisa’s wife, Adi Frances and daughter Adi Torika.
The Vunivalu position has been vacant since the death of Ratu Epenisa’s father, the late Ratu Sir George Cakobau in 1989.
The Vunivalu is head of the Tui Kaba clan and overlord of the Kubuna Confederacy.