Ratu Josaia, the youngest Tui in Fiji at the age of 24, was officially installed as the new Tui Sabeto in the Nadi district on December 27, 1975. This ceremony took place 100 days after the passing of the former Tui, Adi Josivini Naburenivanua.
As noted in an article by The Fiji Times on January 3, 1976, Ratu Josaia succeeded his grandmother, Adi Josivini, becoming the thirteenth Tui Sabeto. His father, Ratu Viliame Mataitoga, passed away in 1962 when Ratu Josaia was just 11 years old. Due to Ratu Josaia’s young age at that time, he was not eligible to assume the role of Tui, and his grandmother took over the title.
Ratu Josaia hails from a family of six siblings, being the second eldest. Unfortunately, his elder sister was ineligible for the title because she married someone outside the chiefly rank. A special mataqali in Sabeto also endorsed Ratu Josaia’s installation as Tui.
The installation ceremony was attended by chiefs from the Western Division and included both church and village events. Ratu Josaia’s education was completed at Sabeto Primary School, Jasper Williams School, and Lami Fijian School. He is married and has one daughter, and his in-laws, both educators, tragically perished when the ship Uluilakeba sank.
As part of the installation rituals, Ratu Josaia observed a vigil in the chief’s house for four days and nights, receiving food and water throughout this period. This vigil concluded on January 2, 1976, allowing Ratu Josaia to finally meet with the local people.
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