High Chief Tui Lutu Installed After 16 Years
He (Tui Lutu) urged his people to reflect on the hard work and sacrifices of their forefathers and work together to revive and restore the traditions and values the vanua o Lutu was renowned for.
Monday 09 October 2023 | 10:25
The newly-installed Tui Lutu Ratu Isireli Ronaiteqe with fellow chiefs and participants during the chiefly installation at Lutu, Naitasiri on October 7, 2023. Photo: Asenaca Ratu
Thousands of people including chiefs from the Naitasiri Province met at Lutu Village on Saturday to witness the installation of the Tui Lutu, Ratu Isireli Ronaiteqe.
The title had been vacant for 16 years since the death of the past Tui Lutu, Ratu Napolioni Rosorovakarua.
The emotional ceremony brought tears to many who witnessed the event.
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Ratu Isireli, 49, asked for forgiveness and urged everyone to unite for a fresh start.
“This is a new beginning for the vanua o Lutu,” he said.
The newly-installed Tui Lutu Ratu Isireli Ronaiteqe. Photo: Asenaca Ratu
He urged his people to reflect on the hard work and sacrifices of their forefathers and work together to revive and restore the traditions and values the vanua o Lutu was renowned for.
Fellow chief, Ratu Peceli Sewale, 73, said it was an emotional and joyous day.
“For us who are alive, we are happy to witness the installation of the new Tui Lutu,” he said.
“Now that our new chief is installed, we feel that we have a leader to look up to, and our culture and traditions will be upheld.”
Tui Lutu oversees three yavusa (tribes) within the vanua o Lutu; Lutu, Navitilevu, and Navunikavika.
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