Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia installed as new Tui Vuda

The new Tui Vuda is Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia.

Ratu Eparama is the brother of the late former Tui Vuda, Ratu Josaia Tavaiqia.

The installation ceremony is currently underway at the chiefly village of Viseisei.

It is understood that the Tokatoka Nakelo met last night to finalise who was to take up the title and their decision was blessed by the Divisional Reverend.

Spokesperson for the Mataqali, Tui Nakelo, Viliame Tekaniwaqalevu said a few names were brought up and after the final decision was made a tabua was taken to the new Tui Vuda to inform him that he was the chosen one.

All the heads of all the Yavusa in Vuda were then informed and the beating of the lali, the "Rogorogo I Vuda" was heard again, this time to inform the people that their new Chief was confirmed.

The members of the clan of the Taukei Nakelo, the traditional kingmakers were accompanied by the traditional warriors or "Liganiwau" from the Yavusa, Burevakava, and took the new Tui Vuda, Ratu Tavaiqia, to the residence of the Taukei Nakelo to traditionally bless him.

Upon arrival, kava was mixed, after which the traditional bowl carrier, Ratu Apisai Saketa, officially handed the first bowl of kava to Ratu Tavaiqia, to acknowledge him as the new high chief of Vuda.

A tabua was presented to formalise the installation and it was a sign that all the powers of the Tui Vuda was handed over to Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia.


Story by: Vijay Narayan, Tokasa Rainima & Selina Navuso