Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has received a matai (chief) title in Samoa. The ceremony took place yesterday in the village of Leauva’a, which is now considered Mr. Rabuka’s Samoan home. He was honored with the ‘tagaloa’alagi’ title, a prestigious designation in Samoan culture.
Mr. Rabuka will be among the few leaders, alongside King Charles III, expected to receive a chiefly title at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2024. The event featured a service led by the Archbishop, who is the leader of the Catholic Church in Samoa, followed by a traditional kava ceremony to formally award the title.
The tagaloa’alagi title dates back to one of Samoa’s kings in the pre-missionary era. During the ceremony, Mr. Rabuka expressed the unity of church leaders present, highlighting the strong kinship shared in the region.
The village welcomed Mr. Rabuka and his delegation with displays of hospitality, including placards that read “Bula Vinaka!” and homes adorned with the Fiji flag. He received several traditional gifts, including three elei shirts, a Samoan-made tanoa, a fue (fly switch), and a to’oto’o (wooden staff), all of which hold cultural significance in Samoan traditions.
The fue represents the orator’s wisdom, while the to’oto’o denotes authority. Mr. Rabuka concluded his remarks by acknowledging the gifts and wishing for God’s blessings upon the leaders and people of Fiji.