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.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau demonstrated a rare combination of leadership and humility, using his influence not for recognition, but in service of others, particularly the most vulnerable.
This is the solemn condolence message from the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima following the passing of Na Turaga Mai Naisogalaca and former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
Byanyima says UNAIDS is deeply saddened by the passing of Ratu Epeli, a steadfast champion of dignity, inclusion, and the HIV response across the Pacific.
She says Ratu Epeli played an important role in shaping the HIV response in the Pacific and his efforts to address stigma and promote community-led approaches have left a lasting impact on the region’s journey towards ending AIDS.
The Executive Director says his commitment to HIV was deeply personal and unwavering, and he stood publicly and consistently with communities affected by HIV at a time when stigma and silence often prevailed.
She adds that he used his voice to normalise open dialogue, challenge discrimination, and advocate for responses grounded in dignity and human rights.
Byanyima says Ratu Epeli’s contributions to the HIV response in Fiji and the Pacific were both visible and transformative.
She says he played a pioneering role in convening regional leadership, including chairing a landmark meeting of Pacific Parliamentarians on HIV in 2004 in Fiji, helping to elevate political ownership of the response at an early stage.
She further says he championed legal and policy reforms that strengthened the enabling environment for HIV, including his leadership during the enactment of Fiji’s HIV/AIDS Act in 2011, which embedded a human rights-based approach to the national response.
She adds that he also supported the removal of HIV-related travel restrictions, positioning Fiji as a leader in reducing discrimination and advancing equitable access to services.
The Executive Director says that beyond policy, he was deeply engaged at the community level.
She says he travelled across Fiji, including visiting schools to speak directly with young people about HIV prevention, awareness, and responsibility, helping to shape a generation with greater understanding and openness.
Byanyima says Ratu Epeli also engaged directly with people living with HIV and key populations, lending his presence and voice to efforts aimed at breaking down stigma and strengthening community-led responses.
She adds that Ratu Epeli worked closely with UNAIDS over many years, not as a symbolic figure, but as an active and trusted partner.
She says from global platforms, including addressing the United Nations High-Level Meeting on AIDS, to national and community engagements, he consistently called for bold action to end stigma and advance equitable access to prevention, treatment, and care.
The Executive Director says Ratu Epeli was more than an ambassador in title; he was a bridge between leadership and community, between policy and lived experience.
She says his advocacy helped shape a more open, inclusive, and people-centred HIV response in Fiji and across the Pacific.
She adds that the spirit of rugby he often invoked reminded us that ending AIDS requires teamwork, discipline, and collective responsibility, no one wins unless we move forward together.
Byanyima says UNAIDS extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Fiji, and communities across the Pacific whose lives he touched through his leadership and compassion.
She says Ratu Epeli’s voice will be deeply missed, but his legacy will endure in the continued effort to end HIV and ensure that no one is left behind.
The Cabinet, in a statement, says this gesture reflects the nation’s respect and recognition of his lifelong service and contribution to Fiji.
The Bau delegation was led by the Gone Turaga Bale na Vunivalu' Brother, Turaga Mai Valevou, Ratu Josefa Celua Cakobau.
Speaking on the significance of the ceremony, Turaga na Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua says the presentation is a strong reflection of the deep blood ties between the Naisogolaca household and the chiefly household of Mateiwelagi, the residence of the Vunivalu.He says both families belong to the Tui Kaba clan, and the i-reguregu reinforces the long-standing relationship and unity between them.
The delegation had earlier gathered at Nausori Village, where they were joined by the Masi ni Vanua of Tailevu, before proceeding to the Naisogolaca residence along Ratu Sukuna Road.
The i-reguregu was received by Ratu Epeli's eldest son, Ratu Kamisese Vuna Nailatikau on behalf of the family.
Ratu Timoci adds the lakolako represents the three villages of Bau, including Bau Loma ni Koro, Rara Soso and Tokei Nadrakuta of Lasakau, presented on behalf of the Vunivalu.
He also paid tribute to Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, describing him as a humble and down-to-earth leader who served Fiji with distinction as President, Speaker of Parliament and Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
Insert:Roko Tui Bau Reguregu 10th April 26
The i-reguregu included traditional offerings prepared by the Bau delegation, consisting of dalo, two pigs, mats and masi, among other customary items.
The i-reguregu will continue from today until Wednesday, with King of Tonga expected to be among the first to pay his final respects next Thursday.
The official ireguregu for the late former President and Na Gone Turaga Bale mai Naisogoloca, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, at State House will commence today.
The first group to present their i-reguregu will be the Fiji Government delegation at 10am, followed by the Judicial Department at 11am, and the Parliament of Fiji delegation at 12pm.
In the afternoon, the Diplomatic Corps delegation will present at 2pm, followed by the Roko Tui Yasa from Kumi at 3pm, and closing will be delegations from the Defence Club and the Tongan Parliament Speaker at 5pm.
The Mataqali Tui Kaba and the Ministry of iTaukei will be receiving the i-reguregu on behalf of Ratu Epeli's family at State House.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces are conducting a funeral procession rehearsal this morning in preparation for the State funeral of Ratu Epeli.
The rehearsal will involve troop movement and marching along designated routes from 6.30am to 9am.
The routes will include State House, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Berkeley Crescent, Cakobau Road, Gladstone Road, and Ratu Sukuna Road.
As part of the programme, the RFMF will conduct a ceremonial firing of 105mm howitzer blank rounds between 10am and 12pm at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, with approximately seven rounds to be fired.
The RFMF is urging members of the public to anticipate traffic disruptions along the stated routes and is advising them to use alternative routes where possible.
The Fiji Government delegation, led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, presented their i-reguregu this morning at the State House.
The delegation is among many that will be presenting their i-reguregu this week.
The items presented included a whale’s tooth (tabua), a kava plant, mats, and food.
Presenting a yaqona plant as the government’s sevusevu, a member of the Ministry for iTaukei Affairs says it is a sad day for the Vanua and Fiji, as one of its most respected leaders has passed away.
Receiving a tabua from the Vanua, Prime Minister Rabuka says this is truly a sad day for the nation.
He says the government will continue to support the people of Kubuna.
The Judicial Department, led by the Chief Justice, is currently presenting their i-reguregu.
The Parliament of Fiji delegation will present their i-reguregu at 12pm.
This afternoon, the Diplomatic Corps delegation will present at 2pm, followed by the Roko Tui Yasa from Kumi at 3pm, and closing will be delegations from the Defence Club and the Tongan Parliament Speaker at 5pm.
The Mataqali Tui Kaba and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs will receive the i-reguregu on behalf of Ratu Epeli’s family at State House.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was a chief, but he brought himself down to the level of an ordinary person, and he will surely be missed by the people.
This was the sentiment shared by High Court Judge, Justice Usaia Ratuvili while presenting the Judicial Department i-reguregu for the late former President and Na Gone Turaga Bale mai Naisogoloca.
Ratuvili also highlighted that Ratu Epeli was well known for his leadership and was not ashamed to raise awareness on issues such as HIV/AIDS.
The Judicial Department was led by Chief Justice Salesi Temo and was accompanied by members including Justice Dane Tuiqereqere and Justice Isikeli Mataitoga.
The i-reguregu for Ratu Epeli will conclude on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Ratu Epeli's cortege will depart Oceania Hospitals at 6am, and will be escorted by ceremonial guards of the RFMF to the State House.
Members of the public are encouraged to stand along the route and pay their respects as the cortege of the late former President will be escorted through Waimanu Road, Mark Street, Usher Street, Scott Street, Victoria Parade and Queen Elizabeth Drive.
At the State House, the late President will lie in state, with members of the public invited to pay their final respects from 8.30am to 8pm.
Attendance will be in controlled groups under managed entry and exit arrangements, and members of the public are required to register with the Ministry for Defence and Veteran Affairs.
On Friday, the State Funeral service will be held at Albert Park at 8.30am, followed by the final procession through Suva to Bau Island where he will be laid to rest at the sacred burial ground, the Sau Tabu.
The Parliament of Fiji today presented its i-reguregu to the late former President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, at the State House.
The delegation was led by Deputy Speaker Lenora Qereqeretabua and accompanied by Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, who gathered to pay their final respects and stand in solidarity with the chiefly family.
The tribute honoured a lifetime of service to the nation, with Ratu Epeli remembered for his leadership and enduring contributions to Fiji’s development.
Opposition MP Jone Usamate says what the people of Bau demonstrated today shows how the late Ratu Epeli respected everyone.
He says he will go down in the history books as the only person in Fiji who has held the title of Speaker of Parliament twice.
He also says throughout his career, Ratu Epeli was widely respected for his commitment to unity, stability, and good governance.
The i-reguregu for Ratu Epeli will conclude on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Ratu Epeli’s cortege will depart Oceania Hospital at 6am and will be escorted by ceremonial guards of the RFMF to State House.
Members of the public are encouraged to stand along the route and pay their respects as the cortege of the late former President will pass through Waimanu Road, Mark Street, Usher Street, Scott Street, Victoria Parade, and Queen Elizabeth Drive.
At State House, the late President will lie in state, with members of the public invited to pay their final respects from 8.30am to 8pm.
Attendance will be in controlled groups under managed entry and exit arrangements, and members of the public are required to register with the Ministry for Defence and Veteran Affairs.
On Friday, the State Funeral service will be held at Albert Park at 8.30am, followed by the final procession through Suva to Bau Island, where he will be laid to rest at the sacred burial ground, the Sau Tabu.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps presented their i-reguregu to the late former President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, at the State House in Suva.
The delegation was led by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Michael Aroi, the High Commissioner of Nauru to Fiji.
Aroi conveyed his heartfelt condolences, remembering Ratu Epeli as a respected statesman and a distinguished leader of Fiji and the wider Pacific.
He acknowledged Ratu Epeli’s lifelong dedication to public service, his role in strengthening regional unity, and his contributions to diplomacy and peacebuilding across the region.
He says he was recognised for his commitment to fostering cooperation and stability, with his legacy continuing to resonate across Fiji and Pacific Island nations.
A total of 27 countries were represented under the Diplomatic Corps.
Also part of the delegation were the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua; the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa; along with representatives from the Diplomatic Corps, the Pacific Islands Forum, and the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific.
Today, the Golden Manufacturing delegation will present their i-reguregu at 9am, followed by the Yasana Ko Lau and the Vunirewa family at 11am.
The ex-servicemen will present their i-reguregu at 12pm, then the Turaga Na Qaranivalu delegation will present at 1pm, followed by the Burebasaga Confederacy at 2.30pm.
The Vanua of Nalawa in the province of Ra will make presentations at 3pm, followed by the ACS Community at 5pm and finally, the QVS Old Boys at 6pm.
The i-reguregu for Ratu Epeli will conclude tomorrow.
On Thursday, Ratu Epeli’s cortege will depart Oceania Hospital at 6am and will be escorted by ceremonial guards of the RFMF to State House.
Members of the public are encouraged to stand along the route and pay their respects. The cortege of the late former President will pass through Waimanu Road, Mark Street, Usher Street, Scott Street, Victoria Parade, and Queen Elizabeth Drive.
At State House, the late President will lie in state, with members of the public invited to pay their final respects from 8.30am to 8pm.
Attendance will be in controlled groups under managed entry and exit arrangements, and members of the public are required to register with the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
On Friday, the State Funeral service will be held at Albert Park at 8.30am, followed by the final procession through Suva to Bau Island, where he will be laid to rest at the sacred burial ground, the Sau Tabu.
The media has been restricted from entering the State House premises to cover the i-reguregu as part of the State Funeral of the late former President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau since yesterday.
fijivillage News has been trying to get access since yesterday knowing that the norm as part of a State Funeral is for the media to have access to this national event and to inform the people of the country.
In a media briefing last Friday, the media was assured of access by the Permanent Secretary for Defence, Mason Smith.
He had said that they will ensure there are no unnecessary restrictions.
However the Ministry of Information confirmed to us over the weekend that only they have been allowed to be present at State House, and other media are not allowed.
We continue to ask the Ministry of Information and Ministry of Defence in the interest of the people of this country.
The Ministry of Information has referred all queries to State House.
fijivillage News has sent a request to President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu for the media to be allowed access to cover the State Funeral as it is of national interest.
We are awaiting a response.
The Province of Lomaiviti is mourning the loss of a great man known for his kindness and humble nature.
This was shared with fijivillage News by the Chairman of the Lomaiviti Provincial Council, Samuela Vadei, who says that the late former President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was a strong leader, and many who served with him or under his command hold fond memories of his leadership.
Vadei says the late President was a humble man who was always ready to help others.
Vadei recalled the day Ratu Epeli approved his attendance at the Royal Military Academy, describing it as a reflection of his supportive and respectful nature.
Tomorrow, Ratu Epeli’s cortege will depart CWM Hospital at 6am and will be escorted by ceremonial guards of the RFMF to State House.
Members of the public are encouraged to stand along the route and pay their respects.
The cortege will pass through Waimanu Road, Mark Street, Usher Street, Scott Street, Victoria Parade, and Queen Elizabeth Drive.
At State House, the late former President will lie in state, with members of the public invited to pay their final respects from 8.30am to 8pm.
Attendance will be in controlled groups under managed entry and exit arrangements, and members of the public are required to register with the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
On Friday, the State Funeral service will be held at Albert Park at 8.30am, followed by the final procession through Suva to Bau Island, where he will be laid to rest at the sacred burial ground, the Sau Tabu.
Na Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, led the Burebasaga Confederacy as they presented their ireguregu to the late former President and Gone Turaga Bale nai Taukei Naisogolaca, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, at State House.
The delegation, representing the provinces of Ba, Nadroga-Navosa, Rewa, Kadavu, Namosi, and Serua, gathered in a powerful show of unity and respect during this time of mourning.
Presenting a tabua on behalf of the Confederacy, RFMF Commander and Rewa Chief, Major General Ro Jone Logavatu Kalouniwai, said Ratu Epeli was well known for his great leadership and humour, and that it is a sad day for the nation.
He says they will no longer hear him sing “Sisili mai Wainadoi,” and that the horse betting houses will miss his presence.
Kalouniwai says he was a great leader and chief to everyone.
Ro Teimumu conveyed her appreciation to the vanua of Kubuna and reaffirmed their support to the chiefly family.
She described the passing of Ratu Epeli as a great loss to the nation, honouring his leadership and lifelong service to the people of Fiji.
She says they honour his service, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Fiji, and that his legacy will continue to guide them.
Also present were the Taukei Nabukebuke, Turaga na Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua; the Vunivalu of Serua, Ratu Tevita Latianara; the Turaga na Tui Tavuki; and the vanua o Nakuruvakarua vua na Turaga na Ka Levu na Tui Nadroga.
The ireguregu will continue today with the Lomaiviti Province delegation presenting at 12pm, followed by the Ministry of Health HIV/AIDS Board at 1pm, and then the Republic of Fiji Military Forces at 2pm.
Macuata Province will present at 3pm, followed by the Defence Club and the Tongan Speaker of Parliament at 4pm, the Province of Naitasiri at 4.30pm, and the Province of Ba at 5pm.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji will present at 5.30pm, the BSP Group at 6pm, the Mataqali Navisere at 6.30pm, and the Fiji Teachers Association at 7pm.
Tomorrow, Ratu Epeli’s cortege will depart Oceania Hospital at 6am and will be escorted by ceremonial guards of the RFMF to State House.
Members of the public are encouraged to stand along the route and pay their respects.
The cortege will pass through Waimanu Road, Mark Street, Usher Street, Scott Street, Victoria Parade, and Queen Elizabeth Drive.
At State House, the late President will lie in state, with members of the public invited to pay their final respects from 8.30am to 8pm.
Attendance will be in controlled groups under managed entry and exit arrangements, and members of the public are required to register with the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
On Friday, the State Funeral service will be held at Albert Park at 8.30am, followed by the final procession through Suva to Bau Island, where he will be laid to rest at the sacred burial ground, the Sau Tabu.
The cortege of the late former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has reached Victoria Parade, on its way to State House where it will lie in state.
The cortege is being escorted by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Fiji Navy, through Waimanu Road, Mark Street, Usher Street, Scott Street, Victoria Parade, and Queen Elizabeth Drive to State House.
The cortege is expected to reach State House by 7:30am.
From 8am to 8:30am, King Tupou VI of Tonga will pay his respects, and from 9am to 1pm, overseas state and government representatives, Fiji diplomatic corps, and local dignitaries will pay their respects and sign the condolence book.
Members of the public can pay their respects from 2pm.
Tomorrow, the State Funeral service will be held at Albert Park at 8:30am, followed by the final procession through Suva to Bau Island, where he will be laid to rest at the sacred burial ground, the Sau Tabu.
Meanwhile, Police Traffic Officers will be deployed to control the movement of vehicles, and they are asking for the people’s cooperation and patience, as traffic may be disrupted for at least 1 to 2 hours today and tomorrow for the state funeral of the late former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
The body of former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is now lying in state at the State House.
The cortege was escorted by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Fiji Navy, through Waimanu Road, Mark Street, Usher Street, Scott Street, Victoria Parade, and Queen Elizabeth Drive.
The cortege was escorted by former Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, Army Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, Navy Commander Commodore Timoci Natuva, senior military, Navy and Police officers.
Members of the public sat on the roadside as the cortege passed them, paying their final respects to the late former President.
The King Tupou VI of Tonga is paying his respects this morning.
From 9am to 1pm, overseas state and government representatives, the Fiji diplomatic corps, and local dignitaries will pay their respects and sign the condolence book.
Members of the public can pay their respects from 2pm.
Tomorrow, the State Funeral service will be held at Albert Park at 8:30am, followed by the final procession through Suva to Bau Island, where he will be laid to rest at the sacred burial ground, the Sau Tabu.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau 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.
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