In a solemn but simple ceremony, Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau, was yesterday installed as the Vunivalu of Bau, before hundreds of people who had gathered on Bau Island to witness the historic event.
The Vunivalu is the paramount chief of the Kubuna confederacy, and referred to as the ‘Turaga Bale Na Tui Kaba’, Vunivalu of Bau.
It is regarded as one of the pre-eminent chiefly titles in Fiji. Kubuna comprises the provinces of Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Lomaiviti (and parts of Ba).
The other confederacies are Burebasaga — headed by the Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, and the Tovata confederacy whose head is the Turaga Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
The position had been vacant since the death of the previous Vunivalu, Ratu Sir George, in 1989.
The late Ratu Sir George is the newly installed Vunivalu, Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau’s father. The dignified ceremony (soqo ni vei buli or veivakagunuvi) took place in the village rara (green) before a hushed crowd.
The chiefly installation was preceded by a two-hour long church service at the Ratu Seru Cakobau memorial church, which was led by the president of the Methodist Church in Fiji, the Reverend Ili Vunisuwai.
Dressed in a grey suit, at the end of the service, a visibly emotional Ratu Epenisa thanked his family and friends for their support.
Following the service, Ratu Epenisa returned to Mateiwelagi, the residence of the Vunivalu, where he changed into his chiefly regalia of traditional masi.
The path to his residence was guarded by warriors from the Gonesau clan in Nakorotubu, Ra which has close links to the Vunivalu.
The Vunivalu was resplendent, and adorned with a “wasekaseka” or necklace of young boars’ tusks worn on rare ceremonial occasions, and only by persons of high birth. Ratu Epenisa is the great-great-grandson and namesake of Ratu Seru Cakobau who ceded Fiji to Great Britain in 1874.
The Vunivalu was presented the ceremonial bowl of yaqona by his cousin, the Roko Tui Bau Timothy Daniel, and head of the Yavusa Ratu, signifying his conferral and acceptance of the chiefly title.
Ratu Epenisa is the son of the late Vunivalu, Ratu Sir George Cakobau (and Lady Lelea Cakobau), who was installed on September 18, 1959.
In the previous installation, Ratu Sir George was presented with yaqona by the late Ratu Doviverata, Roko Tui Bau, and father of Mr Daniel, the present title holder.
The title of Vunivalu had been vacant for more than 33 years upon the death of Ratu Sir George in 1989. A purported installation of Ratu Epenisa five years ago was aborted following the intervention of armed soldiers who descended upon Bau in the early hours of June 9, 2018.
Amongst those present to witness the chiefly installation yesterday were the Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, and other dignitaries and chiefs.
