THE nation will today bid a final farewell to Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, as his funeral cortege departs State House in a solemn procession through the heart of Suva.
Escorted by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the cortege will travel along Queen Elizabeth Drive, Victoria Pde, and Southern Cross Rd en route to Albert Park, where a State memorial service will be held.
Guests are expected to be seated by 7am, with the church service commencing at 8.30am and concluding at 10am.
Members of the public are advised to expect traffic disruptions along the procession routes throughout the morning and early afternoon, as road closures and controlled movements will be in place.
Following the service, the cortege will be escorted by the RFMF for a ceremonial march through Suva City, passing along Southern Cross Rd, Victoria Pde, Scott St, and Rodwell Rd, before reaching the Suva Flea Market.
The journey will then continue toward Bau, tracing a route along Rodwell Rd, Edinburgh Drive, Ratu Mara Rd, Kings Highway, Wainibokasi Rd, Nadali Diversion Rd, and Old Bau Rd, before arriving at Bau Landing.
He will be taken to Bau Island, where he will lie in rest at Vatanitawake from midday, ahead of a traditional burial ceremony at the Sautabu at 2pm.
Na Turaga na itaukei Naisogolaca, Ratu Epeli passed away peacefully on March 26 at Oceania Private Hospital at the age of 84.
A soldier, statesman, and servant of the people, he rose to the rank of Brigadier General and led the Royal Fiji Military Forces from 1982 to 1987 before entering public office.
Over the decades, he held key national roles, including Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Speaker of Parliament, and ultimately President of Fiji from 2009 to 2015.
In life and in death, Ratu Epeli’s journey reflects a legacy of quiet strength, humility, and an enduring commitment to unity, one that now accompanies him on his final passage home.
