DEATH OF MA’AFU
ENELE Ma’afu’otu’itonga, commonly known as Ma’afu was a powerful Tongan prince who came to Fiji in 1848. He soon established himself in Fiji after aligning himself with the Tui Nayau, the paramount chief of the Lau Islands. He also used his kinship links to establish a power base there and in eastern Cakaudrove. His achievements were recognised in 1853 when his cousin King Tupou I of Tonga appointed Ma’afu as Governor of the Tongans in Fiji.
Ma’afu played a leading role in the cession of Fiji to the UK in 1874. His descendants live today in Tubou, Lakeba, in the Lau Islands known as the Onewai clan in Tubou, Lakeba.
The large Onewai clan live all over Fiji and around the world. He also had descendants in the Kingdom of Tonga, as Halaevalu Mata’aho ‘Ahome’e, the late Queen Mother. He died in 1881. Below is an excerpt from The Fiji
Times published on February 8, 1881 detailing the demise of this great chief.
February 8, 1881 — The death of Ma’afu
The S.S Ocean Queen, which left on Saturday, taking Dr Ghio up to Lomaloma to attend Ma’afu, returned to port (yesterday afternoon) with her flag at half-mast and it was at once conjectured that the illness of the chief had proved fatal.
On communicating with the vessel, this proved to be the case, Ma’afu having expired on Sunday last, about two hours after the steamer arrived.
The circumstance which caused his death is somewhat peculiar. It seems that about ten days ago, a horse trod on his foot, completely crushing his great toe and severing it from the foot.
The wound was neglected and by some means became poisoned.
When it was feared that his life was in danger, a vessel was despatched to Levuka and the Government at once sent up Dr Ghio and an experienced nurse to render what assistance was possible.
Before they arrived the Chief had grown rapidly worse and expired as stated two hours after the Ocean Queen dropped anchor.
The steamer at once returned, as his friends had determined not to bury the body until some of the principal officers of the Government are in attendance.
She again left for Loma Loma yesterday evening, taking with her the representatives of the Government to attend the funeral.
Ma’afu, who was a relative of King George of Tonga, and a chief of high rank in that country, has ever held a foremost place in Fijian politics. He was a man of enlarged ideas and of liberal mind, far in advance of any others of his compeers in Fiji.
As the central figure of the old Tovata he made his influence felt throughout the group. His importance was so well recognised that under the old Fijian Government he was named Viceroy of the Eastern Province, in which position he was perhaps more dreaded than trusted.
Since the date of cession he has held the office of Roko Tui Lau and has exercised a more actual power and authority than any other chief in Fiji.
He was a man of bold and aspiring temperament, and but for European interference there is little doubt that ere now he would have made himself master of the group.
He has ever been staunch friend to the white man and his death will be regretted by every resident in the province over which he has so intelligently ruled.