Tui Nadi Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci has spoken strongly against those brewing tension on the decision by the iTaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission (TLFC).

An opposing faction from the vanua-o-Nadi was against the title of Tui Nadi being given to Ratu Vuniyani, which led to tension at Narewa Village on Monday.

A row broke out between two groups as feelings became heated after one group was led by claimant, Ratu Kaliova Dawai.

Ratu Vuniyani told the other faction that they should refrain from going against the decision of TLFC whose governance, he says, is superior in the affairs of the iTaukei.

Ratu Vuniyani said if they continued this, they were going against the law of the land, Government and treading on dangerous grounds.

“The decision was made by the TLFC in 2013, and even before that they had come to a conclusion that it comes back to my family,” the Tui Nadi said.

“The title will only move to another person who is down the line if my family get no heirs (kawabokotaki).

“The only thing that I need to advise those who are stirring up issues is to think twice. You need to stand somewhere that you can be guarded by the law otherwise you are simply breaking the law.

“The law is in black and white. TLFC has made its decision, and it has ruled.

“When you are on the other side of the law it only favours the one that has it in writing.”

The letter from TLFC was addressed to Ratu Vuniyani dated on April 20, 2017.

TFLC chairperson, Ratu Vanalagi Vesikula said: “I am writing this letter confirming your name (Ratu Vuniyani) as the title holder … Tui Nadi in the vanua o Nadi.

“This title is a very precious on our nation in terms of the leadership of our people … the Government has wished you well in your Tui Nadi title as you are declared,” the letter said.

Claimants voice concerns

The claimant mata ni tikina, Sairusi Nabete said: “We had a meeting with some elders including the  all the turaga ni yavusa on Monday and we have all disagreed on the new appointment.

“On Thursday we will call all the turaga ni mataqali and turaga ni Yavusa in the Vanua-o-Nadi to be part of it.

“Tui Nadi is not only for the village of Narewa, it’s the vanua-o-Nadi.

“What used to happen before was that chiefly households discussed the matter and talked it over. This time it was not followed.”

Mr Nabete claimed that the title should follow suit to claimant, Ratu Kaliova Dawai who had lost to the then late Tui Nadi, Ratu Sailosi Dawai back in 2011.

That year the TLFC did rule in favour of the late Ratu Sailosi after the Tui Nadi title was vacant for 19 years.

Police were at Narewa Village in Nadi yesterday.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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