Tailevu chiefs urged to end disputes and lead

Leadership disputes are threatening to weaken traditional governance in Tailevu Province with several chiefly positions still vacant across districts.

The concern was raised during the Tailevu Provincial Council meeting this week at Buretu Village, where council members called for unity among traditional leaders to ensure communities make progress.

Figures presented during the meeting showed Tailevu has 29 chiefly seats, but only 18 are filled with 11 vacant.

For Turaga ni Yavusa (tribal chiefs), 91 out of 176 seats are occupied, with 85 yet to be occupied. Among Turaga ni Mataqali (clan heads), 385 of 674 positions have been filled, while 289 remain vacant.

Council chairperson Semi Matalau told delegates that internal conflicts over chiefly titles were delaying leadership appointments and affecting village development. He said it was time for leaders to put aside their rivalries and focus on serving their people.

“This is not the time to fight, it’s the time to work,” Mr Matalau said. “Our people need leadership, not division. Leaders should work now, not fight for titles.”

These gaps have made it difficult for some villages to move forward with traditional and development matters.

“Our villages depend on strong leadership to progress,” he said. “When these seats are empty, decisions are delayed, and projects suffer."

The iTaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission is working closely with the council to fill the vacant seats.

“The commission is doing its part, but we need our communities to cooperate,” Mr Matalau added. “Unity will bring progress, division will only hold us back.”

Community representatives present at the meeting also voiced their frustration over the ongoing disputes, Some said the lack of recognised leaders caused confusion in some districts.

“Without chiefs, there’s no clear direction. We need these positions filled so that our villages can move ahead,” one district representative said.

The council will continue to work with relevant authorities to resolve title disputes and strengthen traditional leadership structures across the province.