Ratu Viliame Mataitoga Installed Tui Sabeto

“I pray to Jehovah Almighty for me to carry out my responsibility well, which will honour and respect God.”

Tuesday 16 January 2024 | 22:20

Tui Sabeto Viliame Mataitoga is blessed by Reverend Epeli Cati (left), Reverend Ilimeleki Susu and Reverend Iliapi Tiwai. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Tui Sabeto Viliame Mataitoga is blessed by Reverend Epeli Cati (left), Reverend Ilimeleki Susu and Reverend Iliapi Tiwai. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Ratu Viliame Mataitoga was installed the Momo Levu na Tui Sabeto by the Vanua o Betoraurau yesterday.

Ratu Viliame, 39, is a former Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Sergeant and was based at the Black Rock camp in Nadi.

“I have faith and am obliged, with humility, to ask God to assist me,” he said.

“I pray to Jehovah Almighty for me to carry out my responsibility well, which will honour and respect God.”

Following a year-long period of mourning, Ratu Viliame succeeded his late elder brother, Ratu Tevita Mataitoga. Reverend Iliapi Tiwai, in his sermon, urged Ratu Viliame to follow by heart the example of King David in the Bible when he led the Israelites.

Tui Sabeto Ratu Viliame Mataitoga (from left) is escorted by village elders. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Tui Sabeto Ratu Viliame Mataitoga (from left) is escorted by village elders. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Chiefs who have long-standing traditional alliances with the Vanua o Betoraurau also attended the installation service at the Ulunivanua Methodist Church in Sabeto.

Ratu Viliame was educated at Sabeto District School and Sabeto College, respectively, before he joined the RFMF.

He is married to Temalesi Adi and has a son.

“The seven yavusa under the Matanitu Vanua o Betoraurau have been actively preparing for the event over the past few weeks,” the vanua said in a statement.

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