In a moving ceremony witnessed by a crowd of as many as 2000, the people of Vuda traditionally installed the then prime minister, Dr Timoci Bavadra, in his new home at Veiuto, Suva.
An article published by The Fiji Times on Sunday, May 3, 1987, the rare naivakova ceremony to traditionally seat the prime minister, was performed by the Vatububere Mataqali o Vuda.
They had presented Dr Bavadra with four whale’s teeth (tabua) as a show of support.
The naikavoka was part of the full ceremony accorded to the Prime Minister.
Dr Bavadra was the traditional head of the tokatoka Werecakaca of the chiefly yavusa Sabutoyatoya o Vuda.
Bus loads of people had arrived for the installation ceremony from as far away as Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, the Yasawas and the Central Division.
They all sat silently for most part of the ceremony under the sheds and tents specially constructed for the function.
After the formal part of the ceremony, many made their way to the prime minister to personally welcome him as the new leader.
The prime minister and his wife, Adi Kuini Teimumu Vuikaba, sat on the ground among the well-wishers throughout the ceremony.
Also at the special function were all the Coalition parliamentarians and their wives. The leader of the Western United Front, senator Osea Gavidi was also present.
Chairman of the organising committee, Temo Sukanaivalu said, initially only people from Vuda were to be at the ceremony.
But word spread around and people from all over the West and the Central division wanted to join in.
About 200 people arrived at Veiuto early to cook for the guests. Five pigs and four cows were slaughtered for the lovo and five tonnes of dalo prepared.
Most of the guests were expected to return to their villages after the function.
