A MEMBER of the Yavusa Navatulevu in Nadi has welcomed the High Court’s decision to quash the declaration of Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci as Tui Nadi.
Kalaveti Vueti, who is a liga ni wau ni Momo na Tui Nadi (traditional guard of the Tui Nadi), said it was a long-awaited decision for their people.
“We are happy and grateful for the court decision that has been made,” he said. “This has been going on for 30 years to date and I am one of (the) Tui Nadi’s traditional guard that was part of this 30-year fight till today.
“We are happy with the decision made, it has been 30 years fighting for this, and we are thankful that Ratu Asiveni Dawai has been given the Tui Nadi position.”
Mr Vueti said villagers were confident the truth would prevail one day.
Meanwhile, in a statement Ratu Vuniyani expressed his disappointment over the social media post relaying the court decision by Ratu Asiveni’s lawyers Fa and Company.
“I am unhappy with the actions of Fa and Co publicising this sacred matter of the Vanua o Nadi,” Ratu Vuniyani said.
“We have had countless victories and successes, yet we do not make public statements about it because it is to protect the Vanua o Nadi and its people.”
In response, senior lawyer Isireli Fa said their post was not meant to disrespect Ratu Vuniyani.
“The Facebook post was meant to inform the members of the yavusa e tolu (three tribes) of Narewa and Nakavu Village, who support Ratu Asiveni Dawai, of the outcome of the case that has been ongoing for some time,” Mr Fa said.
“No offence was intended.”
Great Council of Chiefs chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula referred our questions to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs permanent secretary, Pita Tagicakirewa, who said they would study the court ruling before making any further comment.
