The Vunivalu Clan has announced it is fully mobilised to conduct the final funeral rites for the late statesman Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, with burial proceedings due to take place tomorrow. Clan representative Fereti Silikula said the household of the Tunitoga is preparing to meet extensive customary obligations and to receive delegations from across the country as part of the closing ceremonies.
Silkula described the Vunivalu as the “mataki” — the traditional envoy — to many vanua in Fiji, a role that places the clan at the centre of inter-tribal and regional ceremonial exchange. “The Vunivalu Clan is the mataki to most vanua in Fiji, but most prominently Rewa and Lau,” he said, underlining longstanding household ties that will require the clan to host and coordinate visiting dignitaries and relatives over the burial period.
Final preparations are underway to welcome several high-ranking chiefs and national figures. Expected guests include the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, and the Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, whose arrivals are being treated as key moments in the mourning rituals. Silikula said the clan stands ready “to cater for Na Turaga na Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba and Na Marama Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa” for the burial of the late Na Turaga na Taukei Naisogolaca.
The Vunivalu’s mobilisation emphasises the centrality of indigenous protocols in national mourning. Clan members have been assigned roles to ensure the smooth conduct of customary exchanges, receptions and rites, ensuring that long-established procedures governing respect, hospitality and ritual observance are upheld during the final farewell for the late leader.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, referred to in customary terms as Na Turaga na Taukei Naisogolaca, has been afforded state and traditional mourning since his passing. The Vunivalu Clan’s involvement highlights how chiefly households continue to play a critical organisational role when national figures pass, coordinating both local and regional participation in accordance with custom.
Tomorrow’s burial is the latest phase in the country’s farewell to Ratu Epeli. With the Vunivalu Clan taking responsibility for the mataki duties and for hosting visiting chiefs and delegations, organisers say they are focused on ensuring that all customary obligations are observed with respect and efficiency as Fiji concludes its mourning period.
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