Tribunal to make decision on Tui Nawaka title

The iTaukei Land and Fisheries Commission (TLFC) tribunal will make a decision on the Tui Nawaka title on July 14.

This was confirmed by the TLFC chairperson Ratu Vananalagi Vesikula after his team were present at Nawaka Village this week to hear the submissions made by the two parties. “The TLFC was present at Nawaka village for two days and we carried out our work. A decision by TLFC will be made on July 14,” Ratu Vananalagi said.

This is after the chiefly row broke out in the vanua of Nawaka over the Tui Nawaka title. Ratu Asaeli Driu was installed as Tui Nawaka on December 13, 2013, while claimant Ratu Livai Derenalagi was installed on May 12 this year.

Ratu Asaeli was installed a year after the death of his predecessor, Ratu Manasa Qoro Naevo. Ratu Livai claimed that they appealed against the decision of the (TLFC) on March 23, 2017, because the installation was not done according to the protocol of the vanua.

Ratu Livai also claimed that as far back as before the Deed of Cession in 1874, the title had belonged to his family.

The chiefly title was passed to a Nalagi family member Ratu Meli Naureu temporarily because Ratu Livai’s father, Ratu Asesela Dere, was physically disabled. The understanding was that the title was to return to the original holders. But this has not happened and has caused the row in a bid to challenge the present title holder at the sitting of the tribunal to determine the rightful holder.

Sauturaga (kingmakers) spokesperson Jeremaia Driu earlier told this newspaper that the

vanua had made their decision and ‘there are no other changes’. The TLFC chairperson Ratu Vananalagi revealed earlier that was no need for another installation. However, a letter was written to the Roko who forwarded it to the TLFC. The matter was then forwarded to the Tribunal. Ratu Vananalagi also said the decision of the Tribunal will be final and cannot be challenged.