Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has been honored with a matai (chief) title in Samoa. This accolade was conferred upon him yesterday at Leauva’a Village, which is now considered Mr. Rabuka’s Samoan home. He received the prestigious ‘tagaloa’alagi’ chief title, one of the highest chief titles in Samoa.
At the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM), King Charles III is the only other leader anticipated to receive a chiefly title. The ceremony included a brief service led by the Archbishop and the head of the Catholic Church in Samoa, followed by a customary kava ceremony to officially grant Mr. Rabuka the ‘tagaloa’alagi’ title, a rank associated with one of Samoa’s historic kings from the pre-missionary era.
During the event, Mr. Rabuka remarked, “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 one of unity as villagers, from the highest-ranking chief to the youth, gathered to welcome Mr. Rabuka and his delegation. Signs reading “Bula Vinaka!” adorned the village, and many houses displayed the Fijian flag.
As part of the customary gifts, Mr. Rabuka received three elei shirts, a Samoan tanoa (bowl), a fue (fly switch), and a to’oto’o (wooden staff), all of which hold significant cultural value in Samoan traditions. The fue represents the wisdom of the speaker, while the to’oto’o denotes authority.
Mr. Rabuka expressed his gratitude, stating, “May God’s blessings rest on us forever, I receive this yaqona on behalf of the leaders and the people of Fiji.” He concluded with a warm, “Ni sa bula!”
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