The Ba province is mourning the death of Tui Tavua Ratu Nacanieli Uqeuqe.
The 69-year-old chief died in his Tavualevu home after battling a short illness.
Black cloths have been draped around the village boundary to mark the passing of the chief and the beginning of the mourning period.
Tavua district representative Ratu Ovini Bokini said they visited the chiefly island of Bau on Monday to inform them of the death because it was where Ratu Nacanieli shared maternal links.
He said all other chiefs had been traditionally informed of the loss.
“Ratu will be laid to rest next week Saturday (December 3) at the chiefly burial ground,” Mr Bokini said.
“We have also begun preparations for the funeral and the whole of the Tavua district is observing the mourning period.”
Traditional warriors are currently guarding the door at the Tavua Hospital morgue.
Ratu Nacanieli was installed as the Tui Tavua in 2016.
