The title of Tui Nayau will be shelved tomorrow until the installation of the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua ko Lau is completed.
Family spokesman Niumaia Gucake, who holds the heraldic title of Matakicicia, said the installation of the Tui Nayau at Narocivo Village on Tuesday followed traditions from before Ma’afu’s arrival in Lau.
“In those days, the different islands in Lau were not under one province which we now know as Lau,” he said.
“Only Lakeba island up to Ono-i-Lau were together in terms of traditional rulership and we were known as Lau Lewena.
“When Ma’afu came in, he then got Lau together and we’re under a province now. So the Tui Nayau title happened before Ma’afu came in and that was when Lakeba went to Nayau to ask for a chief.
“The titles of Sau ni Vanua ko Lau and Tui Lau belongs here in Lakeba which is why we are having the ceremony separately and that will happen tomorrow.
“That is why the Tui Nayau title which he already has will be shelved for a day until the ceremony in Lakeba is completed.
“Then after that ceremony, Ratu Tevita Mara will be the Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau and Tui Lau.”
