A solemn occasion was witnessed in the chiefly village of Rakiraki, Ra, on Friday at the traditional installation of their chief Tu Ko Navitilevu Ratu Emori Bolobolo.
Traditional clan leaders and elders wept tears of joy and acknowledged the fact that the traditional home of Uluda will finally be occupied again.
The event was also held after the Native Lands Commission confirmed that the 53-year-old is the rightful holder of the title.
The newly-installed chief is the son of the late Tu Ko Navitilevu Ratu Tevita Bolobolo and is the fourth in line from the Bolobolo lineage to be installed chief.
At yesterday’s event, slight drizzle followed the completion of the anointment service as fine mats and traditional cloth were spread on the village ground for the chief to step foot on and mark traditionally the beginning of his leadership term.
The president of the Methodist Church in Fiji Reverend Ili Vunisuwai who conducted the service reminded Ratu Emori of his task as a servant of the people.
He said traditional leaders these days needed to be reminded of their roles, particularly in looking after the needs of their people.
Mr Vunisuwai said a good leader was full of humility and love and would always consider the plight of his people.
“Selfishness is the enemy of a leader, when selfishness creeps in, love will slowly erode away from you and you will slowly forget your role in looking after your people,” he said.
“A leader should be filled with love and compassion and this will be depicted in what he does during his leadership.
“Ratu Emori, please remember that your role is very important in serving your people, looking after their needs and heeding their plight.”
