Installation of new chief, Kepa visits chiefly island of Bau

MARAMA na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa yesterday visited the chiefly island of Bau in Tailevu as preparations for the installation of the Turaga Na Vunivalu Na Tui Kaba moved in full steam this week.

In a statement, she said her visit to the island was peculiar because in the past she was usually there for funerals.

“But today, it is one where after 33 years, the chiefly title of the Turaga Na Vunivalu Na Tui Kaba will be occupied,” Ro Teimumu said.

She said she was fortunate to live and witness this auspicious occasion in Fiji’s history.

The delegation was led by Vimatakibau, Ilisoni Vuidreketi, and the women of the chiefly village of Lomanikoro in Rewa.

She has strong connections to Bau, where both her paternal and maternal grandmother hailed from.

“The lady whom I was named after, Adi Teimumu Vuikaba, was the sister of Adi Litia Cakobau and daughter of Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua, who was the son of Ratu Seru Cakobau.

“My sister, the Late Marama levu na Radi Nayau, Ro Lady Lala Mara and I have so many recollections of Bau as we spent most our days with our kins from Kubuna.

“My late father, Ro Joji Cokanauto Tuisawau was raised and born on the chiefly island of Bau.

“The connections between the Vunivalu and the Roko Tui Dreketi goes way back.

“I welcome the decision by the Mataqali Tui Kaba and the vanua o Kubuna and pray for God’s intervention on the special day.”

Meanwhile, the Tokatoka Vunivalu comprising chiefly households from the island of Bau unanimously agreed at a meeting last week that Ratu Epenisa Cakobau be installed tomorrow as the next Turaga na Vunivalu na Tui Kaba.