While making the announcement, Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua says Na Turaga Mai Naisogalaca, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau passed away peacefully last night after being admitted to the hospital earlier last night.
He was also a former Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and former Speaker of Parliament.
Ratu Epeli was a highly respected Fijian chief and a people’s President as many would remember him on many occasions walking on the streets of Suva when he was the Head of State, and mingling with the people of the country.
He served as the President of Fiji from 2009 to 2015.
Ratu Epeli was the great-great-grandson of Ratu Seru Cakobau.
He was also a grandson of King George Tupou II of Tonga.
His father was Ratu Sir Edward Cakobau who was also a former Deputy Prime Minister in the late Ratu Mara led government.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was married to Adi Koila Mara, the daughter of Fiji's long-time Prime Minister and later President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
He rose through the ranks to become the Commander of the Royal Fiji Military Forces.
Ratu Epeli held this position at the time of Sitiveni Rabuka's 1987 coup.
He then went on to become Fiji's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Following the 2000 coup, he was appointed as Interim Deputy Prime Minister.
In the interim government formed after the 2006 coup, he served as Interim Minister for Foreign Affairs, Provincial Development, and Indigenous Affairs.
He was formally sworn in as the President of Fiji on November 5th 2009.
He was known for walking the streets of Suva unaccompanied by bodyguards. He would line up at ATMs to withdraw money and eat at food courts, always with a warm smile and a greeting for those he met.
Ratu Epeli was also a dedicated advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness as the UNAIDS Special Representative for the Pacific, speaking frankly about sensitive issues like safe sex and use of condoms to combat the epidemic.
The funeral announcement will be made in due course.
Stay with us for further details.
