Ratu Semi Vukivukinavanua Lotawa Nadakaibitu has been traditionally installed as the fifth Tui Yakete following a traditional ceremony at the Vatu ni Veibuli in Nalotawa Village in the highlands of Ba.
The 36-year-old, Ratu Semi, was installed following the traditional yaqona ceremony and has also been formally recognised by the relevant government authorities.
A religious blessing was also conducted following the traditional ceremonies.
The installation was significant as Ratu Semi was seated at the traditional foundation established by the elders of the vanua, where the Tui Yakete is traditionally installed.
Ratu Semi was traditionally dressed at Namaravulevu before being escorted by the Sauturaga and his Bati to the Vatu ni Veibuli, where he drank the ceremonial yaqona prepared for him.
A tabua was also presented to Ratu Semi as part of the traditional ceremony entrusting the land, waters and people of Yakete into his care.
In his first address to the people of the vanua, Ratu Semi expressed his gratitude for the significant effort and preparations undertaken for his installation into the chiefly position.
He assured the people that he would carry out his responsibilities to the best of his ability to ensure peace and wellbeing within the vanua of Yakete.
Ratu Semi is the fifth Tui Yakete to be traditionally installed.
The previous installation was held in 2009 when his father, Ratu Savenaca Tiqe Nadakaibitu, was installed as Tui Yakete.
The Tikina of Yakete includes the villages of Nalotawa, Yaloku, Rara, Nanuku, Tukuraki, Tabataba and Naivilawa.
