Ratu Etonia Seru Rokotuinaceva has been traditionally installed as the Nai Taukei Nabukebuke Na Gone Turaga Bale Na Tui Levuka and has taken over the chiefly role which was left vacant since 2008.
It was a historic moment for the 3,454 people, who are members of the 24 villages on the island of Ovalau, as they witnessed the installation of Ratu Seru after the death of his father, Ratu Kolinio Rokotuinaceva, 16 years ago.
This morning, the Tui Levuka was provided with his attire, the Wasekaseka(wild boar tooth necklace), from the Turaga na Takalai Gau and was escorted to the bure Wakaya Lailai where the chiefly priest from the Mataqali of Burenitu from the Village of Nawaido, Solevu, Bua, tied the traditional tapa(masi) around his arms to signify their links to Nabukebuke and confirming the chiefly position of Tui Levuka.
The Tui Levuka’s warriors made a traditional call and reminded those that were present to observe protocols during the ceremony and no movement was allowed at the Levuka vakaviti.
The Tui Levuka was greeted by the Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, the chiefly priest from Solevu in Bua and the Methodist Church Minister for the District of Levuka at the bure Wakaya Lailai.
During the installation, the chiefly priest from Solevu in Bua tied a traditional tapa around Ratu Seru's arms to signify their links to Nabukebuke.
The confirmation of the title of Tui Levuka was done by the Native Lands Commission and Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu.
Celebrations have started at the old capital and is expected to continue until this Saturday after the Tui Levuka returns from the chiefly pool in Naivitabua after 4 nights and 4 days.
10 chiefs from the 10 villages in the district of Levuka will be sleeping for four nights at the traditional Bure named Wakaya Lailai.
