Page 28 - Islands Business March 2023

Fiji Fiji

VUNIVALU OF BAU INSTALLED AFTER

33 YEAR WAIT

By Graham Everett Leung Dressed in a light grey suit, a visibly emotional Vunivalu
Photos: Fiji Government thanked his family and friends for their support.
The Vunivalu was accompanied to the church by his wife,
On a day when ancient Fijian ceremonies were revived Adi Varanisese Loloma, who now assumes the title of Radi
and magnificently on display, Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau was Levuka, and their children, who had flown in from Sydney for
formally installed as the Vunivalu of Bau on Friday 10th March the installation.
2023. The Radi Levuka comes from the chiefly Toronibau clan
The much anticipated installation of the Vunivalu of Bau from Batiki, in the province of Lomaiviti, which has close
brought to closure a long-standing dispute about who should traditional ties with the Vunivalu.
be the rightful successor in title to the previous holder, Ratu Following the service, Ratu Epenisa was escorted to
Sir George Cakobau, a former Governor General of Fiji. Mataiwelagi, the residence of the Vunivalu, by his traditional
The installation of the new Vunivalu of Bau was enabled herald or matanivanua, Aisea Komaitai and Rev Vunisuwai,
by a recent meeting and agreement within the Tokatoka where he changed into his chiefly regalia of traditional white
Vunivalu, that Ratu Epenisa Cakobau be accorded recognition. masi.
On a sunny day filled with pomp and pageantry, hundreds The path to Mataiwelagi was guarded by the Vuakaloa,
of people gathered on the chiefly island of Bau to witness the warriors from the Gonesau clan in Nakorotubu, Ra which has
historic event. close links to the Vunivalu.
Bau has played a central role in the affairs of Fiji for over a The Vunivalu was resplendent, and adorned with a
century, having produced a head of state, vice presidents and ‘wasekaseka’ or necklace of young boars’ tusks worn on rare
numerous Cabinet ministers. ceremonial occasions, and only by persons of high birth.
It played host to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when she Ratu Epenisa is the great great grandson and namesake of
opened a meeting of the Great Council of Chiefs on the island Ratu Seru Cakobau who ceded Fiji to Great Britain in 1874.
in October 1982. The Vunivalu was presented the ceremonial bowl of yaqona
The position had been vacant for more than 33 years since by his cousin, the Roko Tui Bau Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua,
the death in 1989 of the previous Vunivalu, Ratu George and head of the Yavusaratu clan, signifying his conferral and
Cakobau, the father of the newly installed Vunivalu, Ratu acceptance of the prestigious chiefly title.
Epenisa Cakobau. In his acceptance speech, the new Vunivalu acknowledged
The long delay in naming a successor to the last Vunivalu of the challenging responsibilities that go along with the role,
Bau was due to a lack of consensus about who should succeed and pledged his commitment to his people and subjects.
to the title, given the number of potential aspirants for it. Ratu Epenisa is the son of the late Vunivalu, Ratu Sir George
The late Vunivalu was first married to Adi Veniana Gavoka Cakobau (and Lady Lelea Cakobau), who was installed on 18
from whom he had three children, including a son, Ratu Jioji September 1959.
Cakobau, elder brother of the present Vunivalu. Ratu Jioji On the latter occasion, Ratu Sir George was presented with
died in 2018. yaqona by the late Ratu Doviverata, Roko Tui Bau, and father
The Vunivalu is the paramount chief of the Kubuna of Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua, the present title holder.
confederacy, and referred to as the Turaga Bale Na Vunivalu of A purported installation of Ratu Epenisa five years ago
Bau, Tui Kaba. ended in ignominy, and was aborted following the intervention
It is regarded as one of the most senior chiefly titles in Fiji. of armed soldiers who descended upon Bau in the early hours
Kubuna comprises the provinces of Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, of 9 June 2018, and escorted him and his herald off the
Lomaiviti (and parts of Ba). island.
The other confederacies are Burebasaga headed by the Roko The army’s role in blocking the Vunivalu’s installation was
Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, and the Tovata confederacy, widely criticised at the time, the presence of soldiers on Bau
whose paramount chief is the Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama seen as a mark of disrespect of an island which is regarded by
Lalabalavu, the current Speaker of Parliament. many Fijians as sacred.
The solemn installation ceremony of the Vunivalu (soqo ni The Vunivalu’s wife and family relocated to Australia soon
vei buli or veivakagunuvi) took place under a large marquee after this, over concerns about their safety.
on the village green before a hushed crowd respectfully Amongst those present to witness the chiefly installation on
seated on the perimeter of the grounds. Bau were the Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, the Prime
The chiefly installation was preceded by a two-hour long Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, members of the Cabinet, and other
church service at the Ratu Seru Cakobau memorial church, dignitaries and chiefs.
which was led by the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji,
Reverend Ili Vunisuwai. editor@islandsbusiness.com

28 Islands Business, March 2023