The Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, has paid tribute to the late Manoa Rokobatini Rasigatale of Nabuli, describing him as a distinguished son of Rewa whose life was defined by service, loyalty and the preservation of Fijian culture.
In a social media post, Ro Teimumu said the Vanua o Rewa was mourning the loss of a man who devoted much of his life to strengthening the foundations of the Vanua and preserving the cultural inheritance of the iTaukei people.
She said Rasigatale was a proud son of Burebasaga who faithfully upheld the authority and dignity of chiefly leadership and carried out his responsibilities to the Vanua with humility and dedication.
“Manoa was a proud son of Burebasaga who devoted much of his life to serving his people and strengthening the foundations of the Vanua,” she said.
“His loyalty to his people and his respect for chiefly leadership were evident throughout his life, and he faithfully upheld the authority and dignity of his Paramount Chief.”
Ro Teimumu also reflected on Rasigatale’s personal support during her political career, noting that he had served as her campaign manager when she first entered national politics and in subsequent elections.
“For many years, Manoa stood faithfully beside me, serving as my campaign manager when I first entered national politics and throughout subsequent elections,” she said.
“His counsel, commitment, and steadfast support were qualities I valued greatly.”
Describing him as a gifted writer, historian, cultural practitioner and storyteller, Ro Teimumu said Rasigatale had dedicated himself to ensuring that traditional knowledge, customs, chants and stories were preserved for future generations.
She expressed particular gratitude for his authorship of Fijian Princess, a biography chronicling important chapters of her life before assuming the title of Roko Tui Dreketi.
“Through his writing, he captured not only personal stories but also the spirit of an era and the enduring strength of our people,” she said.
Ro Teimumu said Rasigatale’s contributions extended beyond Rewa through his work in cultural preservation, traditional Fijian performing arts, ocean navigation, environmental stewardship and the promotion of Fiji’s cultural heritage both locally and internationally.
As she farewelled him, she said his legacy would endure through the knowledge he preserved and the generations inspired by his work.
“Moce mada, Manoa — vinaka vakalevu na dau tu raviti au. Ni gole ena vakacegu.”
She also extended condolences to his family, the people of Nabuli and the wider Rasigatale family.
