The newly installed Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Timoci Taniela is keen to carry out his traditional duties.

Yesterday Ratu Timoci confirmed that he stood ready to install the Turaga Na Vunivalu of Bau and chief of the Kubuna Confederacy.

However Ratu Timoci would wait for the Tui Kaba clan to nominate and unanimously agree on the new Vunivalu.

The chiefly title has been vacant since 1989.

The last Vunivalu of Bau was Ratu Sir George Kadavulevu Cakobau. He held the title for 30 years until his passing in 1989.

Last Saturday during the installation of the Roko Tui Bau, a traditional presentation was made by the Tui Nabou, Semi Matalau on behalf of the Yavusa Ratu to the Tui Kaba clan.

The presentation was to traditionally inform the clan of the Roko Tui Bau’s installation.

A whalestooth (kamunaga) was received by Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, even though his older brother Ratu  George Cakobau called out to receive the kamunaga.

This incident raised eye-brows for those attending.

The Turaga Na Masau, Ratu Kinijoji Toganivalu on Saturday said they had thought the kamunaga would be received by Ratu George as he was older than Ratu Epenisa.

He said the Yavusa Ratu could not comment on this as the decision was from the chiefly clan.

In an earlier interview with Ratu George at his residence in Mokani village in Tailevu, he said he was the title holder as he was older than Ratu Epenisa.

He conceded that Ratu Epenisa would replace him some day

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

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