A deep ancestral connection between Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and the Tongan royal family will be honoured this week, as King Tupou VI is expected to lead tributes during final farewell proceedings in Suva.
Ratu Epeli and the King of Tonga share a common lineage tracing back to George Tupou II, highlighting longstanding historical ties between the two families.
In recognition of this bond, King Tupou VI is expected to be the first to pay his final respects when the late Na Turaga Na Taukei Naisogolaca lies in state at the State House on Thursday.
“Upon the family’s request, His Majesty the King of Tonga Tupou VI will be the first to pay his final respects before attending the USP Graduation Ceremony,” a reliable source said.
Following this, foreign dignitaries, government officials, traditional leaders, and members of the public will be given the opportunity to pay their respects throughout the day.
After the funeral service on Friday, the family will host a light morning tea to accommodate dignitaries and members of the public who may not be able to travel to Bau Island, where the late statesman will be laid to rest at the chiefly burial grounds (sautabu).
The ceremonies are expected to draw significant local and regional attendance, reflecting the legacy of a leader whose influence extended beyond Fiji’s shores.
Strict traditional protocols in place
STRICT traditional protocols have been put in place for the threeday reguregu of former President Ratu
Epeli Nailatikau, as the nation continues to mourn the passing of the high chief, Na Turaga Na Taukei
Naisogolaca.
The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs has issued a firm directive outlining the cultural expectations for the
funeral rites, emphasising that all proceedings will follow traditional iTaukei protocols.
Deputy CEO for Operations, Josefa Toganivalu said strict measures must be observed throughout the
mourning period to uphold respect and tradition.
A formal dress code has been established in recognition of the solemnity of the occasion and the
chiefly status of the late leader. Mr Toganivalu confirmed that attire for those attending the reguregu was strictly limited to black and white.
Officials stressed that adherence to these protocols was essential, given the high chiefly rank of the
former president and the traditional iTaukei setting in which the ceremonies were being conducted.
Specific cultural guidelines have also been issued for female mourners.
Women attending are requested to untie their hair, while handbags must be carried by hand as a sign of
respect.
