In the latest development in the mourning of the late former president Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the Kubuna confederacy presented its i-reguregu to his family yesterday as traditional rites intensify ahead of the funeral. The delegation, representing Turaga na Vunivalu na Tuikaba and the chiefs (masi ni vanua) of Tailevu, was led by Ratu Josefa Celua Cakobau and formally presented the tribute to Ratu Kamisese Vuna Nailatikau, one of the late president’s sons.
The Tailevu delegation assembled at Nausori Village Hall before proceeding to the Assistant Corrections Commissioner’s residence on Ratu Sukuna Road in Suva to make the presentation. Ratu Josefa, identified in the delegation as the brother of Ratu Epenisa Cakobau — the Na Vunivalu na Tuikaba — carried the confederacy’s i-reguregu in the customary exchange that marks respect and recognition from one vanua to another during periods of mourning.
Officials confirmed the full programme of traditional observances will begin on Monday, April 13, and run through Wednesday, April 15, when the official reguregu ceremonies are scheduled to take place. The series of customary rites precedes the public funeral service slated for Friday at Albert Park in Suva, after which Ratu Epeli’s remains will be transported to Bau Island for interment at the Sautabu chiefly burial grounds.
In a further sign of the broad respect paid to the former head of state and his family, the United Nations delegation to Fiji also made a formal presentation. The group, led by Resident United Nations Coordinator His Excellency Dirk Wagener, presented their traditional reguregu to Adi Koila Nailatikau during the same round of tributes. The appearance of an international diplomatic delegation underscores the national and regional stature of Ratu Epeli and the customary importance of reguregu as a mark of condolence and solidarity.
Family members and traditional leaders are overseeing the sequence of customary and state observances that will culminate in the interment at Sautabu. The involvement of the Kubuna confederacy — one of Fiji’s three traditional confederacies — and the Na Vunivalu na Tuikaba’s representatives follows long-standing protocols for paying respects to high chiefs and former national leaders, and formalises the ties between the Nailatikau family, Bau Island and the vanua of Tailevu.
The ceremonies this week will be watched closely by chiefs, government officials and the wider public as the nation observes the passing of a prominent figure in Fiji’s recent history.
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