AFTER more than five decades, the chiefly legacy of Lau returned to Lakeba as Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara was traditionally installed as Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau — a title once held by his father, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
The installation ceremony took place on the village green in Tubou on Thursday, witnessed by hundreds in person and thousands more across the country through television and social media.
After his church coronation in the Tubou Methodist Church, Ratu Tevita was accorded a veiqaraqaravi vakavanua ceremony, the traditional rites of installation ceremony, by the Yavusa o Navutoka.
The last time Lakeba saw a veibuli of this nature was in 1969, echoing the moment when the late Ratu Sir Kamisese was installed as Sau ni Vanua.
On Thursday, it was his son who took up the mantle.
Presiding over the rituals was Niumaia Gucake, Turaga na Mata kei Cicia and Matanivanua Levu (chief herald) of the Tui Nayau, guiding the two-part ceremony with reverence, command and precision.
In the first part, Ratu Tevita was installed as Sau ni Vanua o Lau.
Lauan custom dictates the presence of two cupbearers: one who offers the yaqona vakaturaga, the other a cup of water. Before drinking, traditional masi armlets were bound to his arms — a powerful symbol of his chiefly status.
The second part confirmed his installation as Tui Lau, as chiefs from across the Lau archipelago — the masi ni vanua — took part in the yaqona ritual, drinking in order of rank.
The ceremony concluded with the crowning of the Turaga na Daulakeba, Mr Mara’s gonedau (fisherman), who was honoured with the Sala ni Soko — a headdress signifying his sacred duty to the chief.
