Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
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Solemn Suva procession marks farewell to Fiji’s Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as he lies in state at Government House
Suva fell quiet as the flag-draped casket began its final journey, a somber procession that highlighted a lifetime of service—from military chief to president. Dignity, humility, and a deep connection with ordinary people framed the farewell, inviting reflection on a public servant who truly walked among them.
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Kolinisau credits Nailatikau with steadying Fiji Sevens before Rio Olympic gold
An offhand breakfast chat became a turning point for Fiji’s sevens. Osea Kolinisau recalls a brief, forthright moment with a former president that steadied a team in doubt and helped set the stage for Olympic gold.
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Vunivalu Clan to host final farewell for Fiji statesman Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
As Fiji prepares to bid a final farewell to a revered statesman, the Vunivalu Clan steps into a central ceremonial role, coordinating traditional rites and hosting visiting dignitaries. The looming burial highlights how custom and national mourning intertwine in this pivotal farewell.
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Tonga to fly national flags at half-mast for Fiji’s former president Ratu Epeli Nailatikau’s state funeral
Flagpoles across the Kingdom of Tonga will dip to half-mast in a solemn tribute on April 17, 2026. The move honors Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, a Pacific leader whose ties to Fiji and Tonga reflect the region’s deep-rooted bonds.
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RFMF Honors Late President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau with i-reguregu at Kubuna
An i-reguregu from Fiji’s armed forces paid quiet homage to the late President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, honoring a leader who bridged rank and ceremony with everyday warmth. The tribute recalled how his presence among troops sparked unity—through songs, stories, and shared moments that crossed social lines. It also spotlighted the enduring bond between the RFMF…
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Fiji honours former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as reguregu rites begin ahead of state funeral
Former president Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is remembered for humility and a rare rapport with everyday Fijians, as chiefs, servicemen and provincial delegations gather to say farewell. The rites blend traditional custom with national honours, setting the tone for Friday’s church service and state funeral in Suva before his burial on Bau Island. A nation reflects…
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King Tupou VI Arrives in Fiji for State Funeral of Former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Emphasizing Fiji–Tonga Royal Ties
King Tupou VI’s arrival in Fiji sets the tone for a week of royal tributes in mourning for Ratu Epeli Nailatikau. A showcase of enduring Fiji-Tonga ties unfolds as regional leaders gather for carefully choreographed ceremonies marking a significant farewell.
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Tongan King Tupou VI to lead tribute as Ratu Epeli Nailatikau lies in state at Fiji’s State House
King Tupou VI’s planned tribute to the late statesman signals a rare royal gesture steeped in Pacific family ties. As the three-day reguregu unfolds on Bau Island, ancestral protocols and iTaukei rites set the stage for a solemn farewell.
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Final Preparations for Fiji’s State Funeral of Former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Blending iTaukei Rites with Military Honours
Fiji moves toward a ceremonial farewell for former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, blending iTaukei rites with full military honours. The final arrangements unfold across Suva and Bau Island, signaling a nationwide tribute to a long-serving leader.
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RFMF to lead Bau Island preparations for state funeral of former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
Logistics are being mapped for a former president’s state funeral, with military planners guiding recon, temporary infrastructure, and ceremonial arrangements. Officials say the preparations will blend tradition with precise, dignified processional planning.