RATU TIMOCI
TAVANAVANUA IS NEXT ROKO TUI BAU
The younger brother of the late Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi will soon be installed as the Roko Tui Bau. Turaga na Masau, Ratu Kinijoji Toganivalu has confirmed that Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua will take up the traditional role. The Yavusa Ratu will determine when the installation will take place. The Yavusa Ratu include tribes of the Roko Tui Kiuva, Ratu from Moturiki, Roko Tui Viwa, Roko Durucoko from Naselai, Tui Nabou from Natogadravo, Ratu from Bureta, Tai Vugalei, Dravuni, and those from Kubuna-i-Wai from Tovu, Nairai. Ratu Toganivalu also confirmed that the taboo (tabu), which came into effect after the burial of the late Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi for his 100 nights, will be lifted this Saturday. The late Roko Tui Bau’s wife, Adi Lusiana Tuivanuavou, will be accompanied by Adi Kakua Mara in the traditional protocol of vakaluvaisulu. They will present the vakaluvaisulu to the Tui Kaba clan. A traditional feast will follow on Saturday. The taboo on the traditional iqoliqoli around Bau waters will be lifted today. This will involve about 100 men and women from Bau Island who will be part of the ritual.
“The first catch from today will be given to the Turaga (chiefs) and the rest will be distributed amongst the villagers,” Ratu Toganivalu said. “The catch from today as well will be used for Saturday’s function.” Ratu Joni died on September 29, 2016 after a short illness. He was accorded a state funeral and laid to rest at the Sau Tabu on Bau Island on October 7, 2016. Edited by Naisa Koroi