Ratu Josaia, aged 24, was officially installed as the new Tui Sabeto in Nadi district on December 27, 1975, marking 100 days since the passing of the former Tui, Adi Josivini Naburenivanua. He became the thirteenth Tui Sabeto, succeeding his grandmother, Adi Josivini, as noted in an article by The Fiji Times on January 3, 1976.
Ratu Josaia’s father, Ratu Viliame Mataitoga, passed away in 1962 when Ratu Josaia was just 11 years old. Due to his young age at the time, Ratu Josaia could not ascend the title, leading his grandmother to take his father’s place in the role.
He hails from a family with six siblings and is the second eldest. His elder sister was ineligible to become a Tui because she married outside the chiefly ranks. A special mataqali in Sabeto supported the decision to appoint Ratu Josaia as the Tui.
The installation ceremony was attended by chiefs from the Western Division and included traditional rites both in the church and the village. Ratu Josaia was educated at Sabeto Primary School, Jasper Williams School, and Lami Fijian School. He is married and has a daughter. His in-laws, both educators, tragically lost their lives in the sinking of the ship Uluilakeba.
As part of the installation tradition, Ratu Josaia observed a four-day and night vigil in the chief’s house, during which he was provided with food and water. This vigil concluded on January 2, 1976, allowing Ratu Josaia to greet the community.
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