Hundreds of people turned up at Viseisei Village in Vuda to pay their last respect to the late Na Momo Levu Na Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia.
Ratu Eparama passed away on July 30th at the age of 95.
The Thanksgiving Church Service for the late Tui Vuda was officiated by the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces escorted his casket from the Lautoka Hospital mortuary to his home village of Viseisei yesterday, where his body lay overnight ahead of the burial rites.
Among those attending the funeral are Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprise Manoa Kamikamica; Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga; Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo; RFMF Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai; GCC Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula; Burebasaga Confederacy High Chief Ro Teimumu Kepa; members of Parliament; members of the diplomatic corps; family; and friends.
In an emotional moment, Ratu Eparama's wife Adi Senitiki Nava Tavaiqia, stood over the casket of her late husband with tears running down her face.
The Commander also paid his respect as the late Tui Vuda was long-serving chief and former military man.
The President and Na Gone Turaga na Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, led a state delegation and members of the Vanua o Cakaudrove to the ireguregu for the late Momo na Tui Vuda yesterday.
He acknowledged Ratu Eparama as a respected and well-regarded leader who will be remembered for his humility, kindness, and service to his people.
Ratu Eparama will be laid to rest today at the traditional chiefly burial grounds in Viseisei Village.
