Update: 1:12PM THE Turaga na Tui Navitilevu Ratu Meli Bolobolo was laid to rest at his chiefly village of Rakiraki this morning.
A former chairman of the Ra Provincial Council and university lecturer, he was the paramount chief of Rakiraki.
He passed away last Friday after a prolonged illness.
Rakiraki Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman and close friend Jitendra Kumar represented Vailekas business community at the funeral, and lamented Ratu Melis passing as a great loss.
He was very accessible to everybody and a true son of Ra, he said.
Ratu Meli was married to businesswoman and former Rakiraki special administrator Seini Raiko.
He was known as a vocal and visionary chief. Last year, he led the province of Ra into a spiritual fasting program.
