Adi Litia Tells Of Faith, Tears and Family

Tears flowed freely as Adi Litia Cakobau Mara, sister of the newly-installed Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau, and Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, shared her raw emotions following a long-awaited and deeply spiritual moment for the Mara family and the vanua o Lau.

In an exclusive interview with Adi Litia after the installation ceremony at Tubou Village in Lakeba, she described the occasion as a testament to faith, perseverance, and divine intervention.

“It’s our faith and trust in our Lord that got us through this far,” she said, holding back tears.

“There was a lot going on, especially behind the scenes, but we never stopped praying for this day.”

She reflected on the loss of both their parents in 2004, Fiji’s founding father and paramount chief, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, and their mother, Ro Lady Lala Mara, calling the journey since then a challenging and emotional one for the siblings.

“For 21 years, it hasn’t been a smooth transition. There’s been a lot of politics involved,” she said.

“We had to manoeuvre along together as siblings, and we persevered.”

Adi Litia acknowledged the pain and the many hurdles that had come their way, but said the unity among the siblings remained strong, especially in their unwavering support of Ratu Tevita.

“We love our brother so much, and we will continue to support him. What we’ve witnessed in the installation today was just flowing. All I can say is that it was just God alone to thank.”

Presence of Ro Teimumu 

Adi Litia became visibly moved when speaking of the presence of na Marama Bale, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Roko Tui Dreketi, and sister of the late Ro Lady Lala Mara.

“Her presence was really emotional for us. She’s like a big sister to us and reminded us so much of our late mother,” she said with tears.

“I am out of words to witness how God works to make this day a successful one and historic. It’s God who made all this happen.”

Feedback: lusiana.tuimaisala@fijisun.com.fj