By Netani Rika
FINAL preparations are being made on Bau for the funeral of Ratu Jioji (George) Kadavulevu Cakobau tomorrow.
Ratu George, eldest son of the late Ratu Sir George Cakobau, died last month after a long illness.
He was one of two claimants to the ancient titles of Vunivalu and Tui Kaba.
Ratu George’s body will arrive in Bau late today accompanied by traditional warriors (bati) and lie overnight at the Navatanitawake before a church service and burial tomorrow.
The chiefly funeral was accorded after a request by Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, the rival claimant.
Ratu George lived most of his life at Mokani Village.
A dispute last month over the Vunivalu title saw Ratu Epenisa detained after an armed raid on his home by troops and police.
The raid was ordered by the government to stop his installation.
For the moment all rivalry has been set aside to allow customary funeral rites to take place.