Rewa Plays Key Role in Installation of Tui Nayau
The delegation of 30 to 40 people, is scheduled to depart aboard the MV Yavirau on Sunday.
Friday 04 July 2025 | 12:09
A delegation from the province Rewa will play a key role in next week’s chiefly installation of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.
He will be installed as Tui Nayau on July 8 and on July 10 bestowed the titles of Sau ni Vanua o Lau and Tui Lau in Tubou Village on Lakeba.
The titles has remained vacant for 21 years following the passing of his father Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in 2004.
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A protocol officer from Rewa confirmed the province’s readiness, revealing that the Rewa delegation will be led by its paramount chief, Na Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa.
Significance
The significance of Rewa’s involvement is deeply rooted in blood ties, as Ratu Tevita is a vasu (maternal kin) of Lomanikoro, Rewa, through his late mother, Adi Lady Lala Mara, the elder sister of Ro Teimumu Kepa.
“A traditional message from the Vunirewa confirming the installation was relayed to Ro Teimumu in April and later shared through the Bose Vanua o Rewa in June,” the officer said.
The vanua of Rewa has since decided that while some members will remain in the province, others will travel to Lakeba to accompany Ro Teimumu.
Those staying behind will await Ratu Tevita’s first official visit to Lomanikoro following his installation, where a traditional welcome ceremony will be performed.
In Tubou, Ro Teimumu will present Ratu Tevita the vakamamaca of the chiefly Valelevu clan from Lomanikoro.
She will also surprise the Tui Nayau with a specially crafted gift named Tukaqu o Tavola.
The delegation of 30 to 40 people, is scheduled to depart aboard the MV Yavirau on Sunday.
Ro Teimumu Kepa will join them on Tuesday morning, July 8.
Ratu Tevita is also expected to visit Lomanikoro, Rewa, later this month, where he will pay respects at the burial site of his mother and two brothers, Ratu Finau and Ratu Jioji.
They are buried at the chiefly burial site in Lomanikoro - na Sautabu e Narusa.
“We the people of Rewa eagerly await this historic homecoming,” the protocol officer said.
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