The 30-year-old man who entered the Prime Minister’s compound without permission was there to seek help because his status in his mataqali was being challenged.
This, according to the lawyer from the Legal Aid Commission who is representing Waisea Naitini of Mokani, Tailevu.
The lawyer told the court, which yesterday found him guilty of one count of trespass, Mr Naitini is a sau turaga, a title disputed by other villagers who wanted him removed.
He said Mr Naitini then sought out an authority greater than his village leaders — Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka — to declare him the rightful holder of that title.
This led to his arrest after he entered the PM’s official compound without permission on June 21.
The previous day, he was stopped by the Prime Minister’s security at the front gate because he had no prior arrangement to meet Mr Rabuka.
Mr Naitini will be sentenced on November 17.
