The late Turaga na Komai Nausori, Ratu Lepani Tagicakibau, was laid to rest at the village chiefly burial ground (sautabu) in Nausori today.
The Taukei Vunivivi was farewelled by hundreds of mourners at a funeral service that was held at the Nausori Methodist Church.
Among the attendees were the Turaga na Vunivalu na Tui Kaba, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, Acting Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, former Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and Adi Koila Nailatikau, Ratu Tuakitau Cokanauto and former secretary general to parliament Mary Chapman.
Former rugby national rep Ilaitia Tuisese, former diplomat Ratu Tui Cavuilati and Ratu Epenisa were among those that paid tribute to the late chief through eulogies at the funeral service.
While paying tribute to Ratu Lepani in a post on social media, Marama Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa said the late Taukei Vunivivi was a strong believer of genuine democracy, the rule of law and parliamentary democracy through his untiring support to the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA).
“Ratu Lepani’s immense contribution and faith resulted in the change of government last year.
“Na Komai Nausori will also be missed by the people of Burebasaga for all the time we’ve had the Siga kei Rewa at the Syria Park.”
Hundreds gathered at the village to pay their last respects and present traditional offerings of their ireguregu earlier on in the week.
A total of eight villages makes up the Nausori district of which the Komai Nausori is the overlord chief.
The late Komai Nausori passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023; survived by his wife Taina Tagicakibau, three children and nine grandchildren.
He was 72 years old.
