The vanua-o-Nakovacake yesterday buried their chief, the late Ratu Waisake Labalaba Saukuru Saukuru in Navoci village in Nadi yesterday.

The late Saukuru was the turaga-ni-yavusa-no-i Naiqoro (kingmakers) of the Tui Nadi.

The title of liuliu-ni-sauturaga was ceremoniously handed to him on December 20, 2008.

On April 15, 2011 he installed the current Tui Nadi Ratu Sailosi Dawai.

During the eulogy, the younger brother of Tui Nadi Ratu Vuniani Dawai said: “The Vanua o Nakovacake has lost a true son who had dedicated his life to serve the vanua, lotu (church) and matanitu (Government).”

“He found the opportune moment to serve his best ability in the matters of the installation of Tui Nadi which was vacant for a while (title disputed). It is quite rare to find people of his caliber deliver in this role.”

He was Turaga-ni-Mataqali (Vunamasei), Turaga-ni-Tokatoka and had assisted in a lot of projects including a partnership with the Nadi Town Council to assist in an exercise in an area of brawls and drinking for party revelers.

He also welcomed the idea of declaring Nadi as Fiji’s third city by 2017.

He earlier told the Fiji Sun that he wanted to see Nadi move forward and needed all the support that they can get in securing better township.

He was a staunch FijiFirst Government supporter and was instrumental in the formation of the new four lanes from Martintar to Narewa.

FijiFirst MP Samu Vunivalu was among those that were present during the funeral.

He is survived by his wife Lanieta Naimasi and four children.