THE installation of the Vunivalu na Tui Kaba will be held next month on the chiefly island of Bau. This was confirmed by the Turaga Roko Tui Bau Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua in a statement yesterday.
The seat had been left vacant for decades. Ratu Epenisa Cakobau will be installed as the Vunivalu na Tui Kaba.
He is the eldest son of the late Vunivalu Ratu Sir George Cakobau and Lady Lelea Cakobau.
The statement said the Roko Tui Bau called for a meeting last Saturday to convey to the people of Bau his decision to begin the process to install the Vunivalu na Tui Kaba.
The dedication service will be held at the Ratu Cakobau Memorial Church followed by the veiqaraqaravi vakavanua where Ratu Epenisa will be traditionally installed by the Roko Tui Bau and Sauturaga.
“In June 2012, a consensus was reached among the noble houses of the Tui Kaba clan held on Bau at the Tunitoga’s residence ‘Vunivau’, the decision was later conveyed to the members of the mataqali,” the statement said.
“It could be said that on 18 September, 1959, The Fiji Times also detailed what transpired on that auspicious occasion of the installation of Ratu Sir George Cakobau as the Vunivalu na Tui Kaba at the chiefly island of Bau. “The event was historic as it was also 106 years since the last Vunivalu was installed, who was his great grandfather.”
