Nakorotubu plays significant role in Vunivalu’s installation
THE people of Nakorotubu in Ra will display a significant role when Ratu Epenisa Cakobau will be installed as Vunivalu na Tui Kaba on the chiefly island of Bau, Tailevu this morning.
Ratu Meli Malani of the chiefly village of Nabukadra in Nakorotubu said the Kubuna confederacy and the nation was looking forward with much interest to what is being regarded as one of the most significant events in Fijian history.
He said their connection was steeped in tradition and reflected the historical relation between the ancient Yavusa Kubuna as recorded in the Tukutukuraraba and the vanua o Bau and Nakorotubu.
Ratu Meli said according to history, in 1959 when the late Vunivalu na Tui Kaba Ratu Sir George Kadavulevu Cakobau was installed – a direct descendant of Nadurucoko, who was the father of Vunivalu Nabuinivuaka Nailatikau, Roko Kuliniyasi Malani resided at the Vatanitawake on the night prior to the installation.
Roko Malani was then escorted the next morning to the chiefly residence of Mataiwelagi to convey the full support and endorsement on behalf of the ancient Kubuna and the Vanua Va Gonesau to Ratu Sir George.
After their meeting at Mataiwelagi, Roko Malani then escorted Ratu Sir George to the shed where he was installed as Vunivalu na Tui Kaba.
Roko Malani and his people then retreated to the Vatanitawake where he observed the traditional ceremony.
Ratu Meli said by design, the people of
Nakorotubu were not to be present nor involved in the traditional ceremony of installation.
He said they were honoured to be part of the historic ceremony this morning to show their support for the decision made by the mataqali Tui Kaba.
“Only this time, another direct descendent of Nadurucoko 1, Dr Ratu Joji Malani, will do the honours on behalf of the Vanua Va Gonesau of Nakorotubu and as a descendant of the ancient Yavusa Kubuna,” Ratu Meli said.
“Nakorotubu is proud of their historical and kinship ties to the Vunivalu and the Kubuna Confederacy and are humbled to be able to play yet again their role in this significant event in Fiji’s history.”
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