NA Kalevu Ratu Kinijoji Nanovo Vosailagi was laid to rest yesterday at the chiefly burial site in Cuvu Village, a year after he was traditionally installed.
Chiefs from around the country were present to pay their last respects to Ratu Kinijoji along with government ministers and executives.
These included former president Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa and Tui Nawaka Ratu Asaeli Naevo,
Also present at the service yesterday was former prime minister and now leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party Sitiveni Rabuka.
Ratu Kinijoji’s son, Ratu Waka Vosailagi, said he was grateful to the State for fulfilling one of his father’s wishes.
“He had always wished for a military farewell and we are grateful to the Government for allowing this because this usually does not happen for those that have been out of service,” Ratu Waka said.
“I think if he didn’t hold the post he did, he would have opted for a much quieter ceremony instead of a full blown ceremony like today.”
Ratu Kinijoji worked as a sugarcane farmer upon his return from New Zealand in 1947.
He served in the military in 1952 and served as a corporal in the signals corps of the 1st battalion Fiji Regiment to Malaya. He served as the Roko Tui Nadroga from 1962-1987 and was a member of the Great Council of Chiefs and the Senate from 1994-1998.
