Tui Levuka to be Installed After 16-Year Vacancy
The event is expected to draw large crowds, with participants arriving as early as Friday to be hosted in Waitovu Village.
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | 14:08
Tui Levuka Ratu Etonia Seru Rokotuinaceva outside the Lomaiviti Provincial Council Office in Levuka, Ovalau. Photo: Inoke Rabonu
A historic moment beckons as the people of Ovalau will witness the installation of a new Tui Levuka after 16 years.
Ratu Etonia Seru Rokotuinaceva will ascend the chiefly role, which was vacant since the death of his father, Ratu Kolinio Rokotuinaceva, in 2008.
The installation ceremony will take place at Levuka Vaka-Viti Village next Tuesday, amid extensive traditional preparations by the local and neighbouring communities.
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Ratu Etonia will be the third chief in his family line to be traditionally installed. His great-great grandfather, Ratu Samuela Macedru, was installed in 1820, and his father in 1993.
The event is expected to draw large crowds, with participants arriving as early as Friday to be hosted in Waitovu Village.
The vuvale Bete of the mataqali Burenitu from the yavusa Solevu in Bua will take part in the installation of Ratu Etonia.
Member of the clan, Adi Kelera-Keith Molloy, detailed the planned preparations by the vanua vakaturaga o Nabukebuke of Levuka and the vuvale Bete of the mataqali Burenitu from the yavusa of Solevu in Bua.
“Last year, a delegation went to Solevu in Bua to initiate the official proceedings, which was warmly received and later reciprocated by a visit to Levuka to perform the ‘vakadonumata’, signifying their acceptance,” Ms Molloy said.
The installation will not only celebrate the leadership of Ratu Etonia, but also reinforce the bond between the chiefly families and their communities.
“The vuvale Bete from Nawaido, Solevu, will pay their respects to the chiefly household of Levuka. It’s a significant part of the ritual as it renews and strengthens our traditional ties,” Ms Molloy explained.
A spokesperson from Waitovu Village in Levuka shared the logistical aspects of the event, highlighting that movement will be restricted on the day to preserve the sacredness of the ceremonies.
“Everyone is to wear proper attire and women are not allowed to tie their hair during the installation.”
The presence of Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, as a witness to the rituals underscores a lasting long traditional ties between the vanua Nabukebuke, Namosi and the vanua vakaturaga Nabukebuke in Levuka.
Ratu Etonia, a retired civil servant and former employee of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, will oversee the governance of 10 villages within the district of Levuka.
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