Ratu Loco is next Turaga na Qaranivalu

Ratu Loco Kalokalodrau Qiolevu will take over the chiefly title of Turaga na Qaranivalu, Turaga ni Yavusa, Turaga ni iTaukei, and Turaga ni Mataqali.

This was confirmed by the Matanikutu clan of Naivisere in Naitasiri during a clan meeting held last Friday at Navuso Village.

The meeting was attended by family members, the Matanikutu clan, officials from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, staff from the Tailevu Provincial Council and police officers.

The purpose was to confirm that Ratu Loco Kalokalodrau Qiolevu will take over the chiefly position and to ensure consensus within the clan.

The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs clarified that this was not an installation ceremony, but a preliminary sitting to acknowledge Ratu Loco Kalokalodrau Qiolevu as the chosen candidate.

The appointment has not yet been legally finalised, but a formal meeting involving all Turaga ni Yavusa under the Bose Vanua will be convened to officially endorse the decision.

Following that, documentation will be submitted to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs for legal recognition.

The Turaga na Qaranivalu title was last held by Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, who served from 1997 until his death in April 2025.

Speaking during the interview, Ratu Apenisa Qiolevu introduced himself as a member of the Matanikutu clan of the Naivisere yavusa from Navuso Village.

He said the meeting was held to reaffirm leadership for the clan, the yavusa, and the chiefly seat of Qaranivalu.

“The Turaga na Qaranivalu lineage has now reached its eighth generation, and he expressed gratitude that Ratu Loco Kalokalodrau Qiolevu, at 87 years of age, is alive and able to assume the position,” Mr Qiolevu said.

Ratu Apenisa said that the entire family had unanimously agreed that Ratu Loco will take over the Turaga na Qaranivalu role.

Mr Qiolevu said that he is the only confirmed candidate, coming from the Chiefly Clan. The decision is also supported by historical documentation in the 1923 iTaukei Affairs Book, which records the origins of the Naivisere people from Navuso.

The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs reiterated that last Friday’s meeting was only to inform the clan ahead of the wider Bose Vanua meeting, which will complete the customary and legal processes needed to officially recognise Ratu Loco Kalokalodrau as Turaga na Qaranivalu.

The confirmation reflects a key step in maintaining traditional leadership in Naivisere, while cultural and legal procedures continue to ensure the succession is properly endorsed.