VILLAGERS in the district of Wailevu, Cakaudrove watched in silence as the body of their chief Ratu Kinijoji Maivalili entered Wailevu Village for the last time yesterday.
Blasts of conch shells sounded by the members of the Navesi clan were the only audible sound that permeated from the village conveying the grief of the vanua.
Borne by his children and close family members, the coffin of the chief and politician rested for a while at his residence before it was taken to the Wailevu Methodist Church for a memorial church service.
Speaking at the service former politician and cousin, Ratu Jone Dakuvula described Ratu Kinijoji as a man of dreams who pursued his visions despite his challenging family background and childhood.
Ratu Jone said it was those experiences that made Ratu Kinijoji strive for the betterment of both his family and the vanua.
He said Ratu Kinijoji had developed the qualities of a leader after graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor in Electronic Engineering and taking up the role of being a politician after he was approached by the then Soqosoqo Vakavulewa ni Taukei party.
Other notable figures who attended the memorial service included his cousin and Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, former British SAS servicemen Ilisoni Ligairi and representatives from the chiefly families of the ai sokula clan.
Ratu Kinijoji is survived by five children and grandchildren.
