Plans Underway To Install Vunivalu

Plans to install the new Vunivalu are now underway.

Discussions are currently underway amongst members of the tokatoka Vunivalu and Mataqali Tui Kaba and this will follow the normal tradition to appoint the Vunivalu who is the paramount chief of the Kubuna confederacy.

Speaking to Fijivillage from Bau island, the Tunitoga who is the Vunivalu's traditional spokesman, Ratu Veiwili Komaitai said two meetings have already been held with the members of the tokatoka. He said they had cordial discussions on the matter and he is expecting to call another meeting soon.

The five likely contenders for the title are Ratu George Kadavulevu, Ratu Joji Cakobau, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, Adi Samanunu Talakuli Cakobau and Interim Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's great grandmother was Ratu Seru Cakobau's sister. Ratu Seru was the self proclaimed King of Fiji and he ceded Fiji to Great Britain in 1874.

The Tunitoga, Ratu Veiwili Komaitai said according to the tradition only males have been appointed to the chiefly position and this could mean that Adi Samanunu may be excluded from holding the title.

According to tradition, members of the mataqali Tui Kaba decide amongst themselves who should be installed as the Vunivalu before the Roko Tui Bau traditionally installs the Vunivalu.

The Roko Tui Bau Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi currently holds the kingmakers title.

The Vunivalu title has been vacant for more than 20 years. The title was last held by the late Vunivalu and former Governor General Ratu Sir George Kadavulevu Cakobau who passed away in 1989.