As iTaukei culture and tradition was on full display during the elaborate installation ceremony of the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, the high chief of the Lau Province urged the leaders of the Yavusa to always have a righteous heart when leading as they have now shown their allegiance to the Tui Nayau.
Ratu Tevita, the son of the late former President, Tui Nayau and Tui Lau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, also acknowledged different organisations and the government for preparing the island of Nayau for the historic occasion today.
He adds that we have seen how beautiful our culture is when it's being portrayed well and we need to keep that culture alive.
The title was left vacant for more than 20 years following the passing of his father in 2004.
After the installation, Ratu Tevita highlighted the importance of leadership.
He says every position has a role and that role comes with great responsibility.
After the installation ceremony, Ratu Tevita went for the traditional bath at the Tobu wei bui Seleima to officially seal his title as Tui Nayau.
A kava ceremony followed after the bath to bid him well on his journey back to Tubou Village where he will be installed as the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau on Thursday.
The previous installation ceremony of the Tui Nayau was held in 1969.
Ratu Tevita is a former senior military officer and was one of the strongmen of Voreqe Bainimarama during and after the 2006 military coup.
He was the Commanding Officer of the 3FIR Unit.
In May 2011, Ratu Tevita was charged with sedition and former Land Force Commander, Pita Driti was charged with inciting mutiny and making seditious comments.
This had come about after the two senior military officers were raising concerns about the increased influence of Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during the term of the Bainimarama government after the military coup.
Driti was found guilty and spent 5 years in prison.
Ratu Tevita escaped to Tonga before his case went to trial and he remained out of the country until after the loss of the FijiFirst in the 2022 general elections.
His case was withdrawn from court in 2014 and the Office of the DPP confirmed in 2023 that there will be no reinstatement of charges as there was insufficient evidence.
The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held on Thursday at Tubou Village.
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