Tui Nayau calls for unity as Fiji marks Ratu Sukuna Day

As Fiji commemorates Ratu Sukuna Day, the Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau and Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara, has called on Fijians to embrace unity, strong leadership and respect for the values that helped shape the nation.

In a statement issued from Lakeba, Lau, where Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna is buried at the sacred burial grounds, Ratu Tevita paid tribute to one of Fiji’s most influential statesmen and reflected on the legacy he left behind.

He described Ratu Sukuna’s most enduring contribution as the establishment of the Native Land Trust Board in 1940, now known as the iTaukei Land Trust Board, which protected iTaukei land rights while allowing land to generate income for its owners.

Ratu Tevita said Ratu Sukuna’s vision was built on three pillars — Vanua, Lotu and Matanitu — which remain critical to Fiji’s stability and development.

“When any one of these legs weakens, the whole structure becomes unstable,” he said.

“We have lived through enough in recent decades to know this truth. The stool must stand. At no point in Fiji's democratic journey has it been more urgently needed than now.”

Reflecting on the legacies of both Ratu Sukuna and Fiji’s founding Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who are buried at Vatanitawake, Ratu Tevita said neither leader built institutions that divided people.

“Every legacy they left was rooted in inclusion, in the dignity of all people, in the belief that Fiji belongs to everyone who calls her home,” he said.

He said the path forward for Fiji remained clear.

“Fiji is for everyone. One country, rich in its diversity. Bound by respect for one another's culture, tradition, and love for this land.”

Ratu Tevita also challenged leaders across the country to emulate the example set by Ratu Sukuna.

“To the Leaders of This Nation: Govern with integrity. Lead with humility. Build institutions that will outlast you, as Ratu Sukuna built institutions that have outlasted him. That is the standard he set. That is the standard we must meet.”

Addressing all communities, he said Fiji’s future must be built on mutual respect and shared nationhood.

“You are an integral part of this nation. The vision is always of a shared future — built on mutual respect, on the recognition that what makes Fiji truly extraordinary is precisely its diversity, held together by a common love for this land.”

Ratu Tevita concluded by urging Fijians to learn from the nation’s past and work towards a united future.

“We have been through enough in the past decades. The way forward is not to forget what we have been through, but to be transformed by it.”

He ended his message with a simple reminder: “The legacy is alive. The work continues. The stool stands firm.”