THE Mataki-Bau tribe of Nakoroivau Village mobilised in Bau, Tailevu, to perform their sacred duty: nourishing the ligatabu throughout the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau’s funeral.
As the province prepared for the final rites of the former head of state, the Mataki-Bau were working tirelessly to provide meals and refreshments for those tasked with the physical handling of the chiefly remains.
Tribal representative Mr Ratogotogo confirmed their responsibility spanned through the entire traditional process.
“We look after the Mataki-Bau from the beginning of the clean up of the sautabu until the chiefly burial,” Mr Ratogotogo said.
Reflecting on the legacy of the Na Turaga Taukei Naisogolaca, Mr Ratogotogo paid tribute to a leader who frequently bridged the gap between the high office and the grassroots.
He described Ratu Epeli as a man who possessed a rare ability to connect with commoners, unburdened by the weight of his titles or social standing.
“He was indeed a man for the people, and that is one thing I admire about Na Turaga Taukei Naisogolaca,” he said.
Mr Ratogotogo recalled a poignant moment that defined Ratu Epeli’s character, involving a traditional ceremony of thanks, or vakavinavinaka, for the ligatabu.
“There was a time, when the ligatabu’s vakavinavinaka wasn’t all, and it hurt Ratu Epeli, so he gave a kamunaga for the vakavinavinaka to the ligatabu.”
According to Mr Ratogotogo, such gestures were the hallmark of a “true and great leader” who lived a life of service to his people.
