Drauniivi chidfly title confirmed
Newly-installed Turaga ni Yavusa (leader of the tribe), oape Nabure, is thankful to the Government for its timely intervention with the right decision. Mr Nabure now holds the title of Turaga ni Yavusa Nu ku buti .nd Turaga ni Mataciali Loita in the village of Drauniivi in Ra fter the ceremonies yesterday.
Newly-installed Turaga ni Yavusa (leader of the tribe), Joape Nabure, is thankful to the Government for its timely intervention with the right decision.
Mr Nabure now holds the title of Turaga ni Yavusa Nukubuti and Turaga ni Mataqali Loita in the village of Drauniivi in Ra after the ceremonies yesterday.
The 69-year-old said after encountering much difficulties to the point where he almost lost his life, he’s finally witnessed what has been worth the fight.
“This hardship was shared by my grandfather and my father but today it was possible. At the end I finally have it.
“There were various claims to this title, here and there. I am very grateful to this government as it is clear to them and they are aware of the facts that involve us, iTaukei,” he said.
Family and members of the Yavusa accorded Mr Nabure the traditional installation and was also blessed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church president Pastor Nasoni Lutunaliwa at the Drauniivi Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“At last I am happy that I have been installed in a holy way compared to the other gatherings of such,” he said.
Pastor Nasoni said: “Just like those days of the prophets and the kings do continue to work with God.
“Let Jesus lead you so you can lead your people well. Do share your wealth equally but never mislead them then only you will prosper alongside your clan.”
According to Mr Nabure, his grandfather, the late Malasebe Tuvusa, held the title in 1918. Then it was passed onto the late Anaseini Naikanivatu, his aunt, who died in 2020. Mr Nabure is married, has three children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Also present were the delegations from various clans within the district and stakeholders who witnessed the auspicious ceremony.
Background
Meanwhile, a number of conflicts from other clans arose regarding who was the rightful title owner.
As a result, the iTaukei Lands & Fisheries Commission conducted an inquiry in Drauniivi village.
The case was then reviewed by the iTaukei Lands Appeals tribunal which is mandated to question the party that claimed the title until the final verdict was made.
At the time, 90 days was given to the other faction led by his Mr Nabure’s cousin, Taivesi Mamaqa, to appeal to the High Court as it was a legal matter.
Because there was no appeal made and iTaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission (TLFC) chairperson Vananalagi Vesikula in a letter dated on March 16, 2022, confirmed Mr Nabure as the rightful title holder.