TRADITIONAL watchmen of the vunivalu of Natewa or bati leka from Vusasivo will guard their newly installed warlord Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure for the duration of four nights as tradition dictates.
Following his traditional installation at Natewa on Wednesday, the new chief will then observe the i vuluvulu after the four nights where he will traditionally thank the members of the Valenisau clan for their part in his installation ceremony yesterday.
His younger brother Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure said the new chief would be refrain from bathing and restricted within the reaches of his house in Manua for the duration for the four nights.
Ratu Gilbert said the new chief would have his bath in a traditional ceremony at the shores of Natewa after the four nights.
He said the four nights would also play an important part in the new chief’s leadership as it would be a good time for him to discuss and map the way forward for the people of Natewa with his masi or chiefs closely linked to him.
According to Ratu Gilbert, the people of Valenisau will come together again at the end of the four nights to celebrate with their new chief.
Ratu Rakuita was traditionally installed as the new vunivalu of Natewa in a solemn ceremony by members of the Valenisau clan and the clans of Vusaratu, Dawato, Vunisaiki and Sovatabua.
