Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has been honored with a matai (chief) title in Samoa. The ceremony took place yesterday at Leauva’a Village, which will now be considered Mr. Rabuka’s Samoan home. He received the ‘tagaloa’alagi’ title, a prestigious designation among Samoan chiefs.
Mr. Rabuka is one of only two leaders expected to be given a chiefly title during the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2024, the other being King Charles III.
The ceremonial proceedings began with a service led by the Archbishop and the Leader of the Catholic Church in Samoa, followed by a traditional kava ceremony that is customary when conferring a chiefly title. The ‘tagaloa’alagi’ title is associated with one of Samoa’s kings from the pre-missionary era.
In his remarks, Mr. Rabuka emphasized the unity present among the church leaders. He expressed a commitment to showcase the close kinship shared in the region to the world.
Leauva’a villagers, from the highest-ranking chiefs to the youth, came together to warmly welcome Mr. Rabuka and his delegation. The atmosphere was filled with greetings such as “Bula Vinaka!” and the display of the Fiji flag.
During the ceremony, Mr. Rabuka received three elei shirts, a traditional Samoan tanoa (drinking bowl), a fue (fly switch), and a to’oto’o (wooden staff). These items hold great significance within Samoan culture and are integral to traditional ceremonies, with the fue representing the wisdom of the orator and the to’oto’o signifying authority.
“May God’s blessings rest on us forever. I receive this yaqona on behalf of the leaders and the people of Fiji,” Mr. Rabuka stated, concluding with “Ni sa bula!”