Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has been honored with a matai (chief) title in Samoa. The ceremony took place yesterday at Leauva’a Village, which is now considered Mr. Rabuka’s Samoan home. He received the distinguished ‘tagaloa’alagi’ title, a prestigious rank in Samoan chiefdom.
During the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM), King Charles III is also expected to receive a chiefly title. The event featured a short service led by the Archbishop and the Catholic Church leader in Samoa, followed by a traditional kava ceremony, which is customary when bestowing a chiefly title like ‘tagaloa’alagi.’ This title is associated with one of Samoa’s kings from the pre-missionary era.
Mr. Rabuka expressed his sentiments, stating, “The church leaders who are represented here, we are one. We aspire to continue to demonstrate and show to the world the close kinship we have in our part of the world.”
The atmosphere was filled with kinship as villagers, including the highest-ranking chief and youth, gathered to welcome Mr. Rabuka and his delegation. Signs reading “Bula Vinaka!” and homes adorned with the Fijian flag reflected the celebratory spirit.
Mr. Rabuka received three elei shirts, a traditional Samoan tanoa, a fue (fly switch), and a to’oto’o (wooden staff), all of which hold significant cultural importance in traditional Samoan ceremonies. The fue represents the orator’s wisdom, while the to’oto’o denotes authority.
He concluded with a prayer asking for God’s blessings, saying, “I receive this yaqona on behalf of the leaders and the people of Fiji,” and added, “Ni sa bula!”