Apisai Tora Laid To Rest In Unique Funeral
Politicians and businessmen were among the hundreds who converged at Sabeto to pay their last respects to the politician who served in Parliament following Fiji’s independence from Great Britain in 1970.
Saturday 15 August 2020 | 14:46
Pall bearers carry the casket of the late Ratu Apisai Tora at his village of Natalau, Nadi on August 14, 2020. Photo: Mereleki Nai
The late Taukei Waruta, Mohammed Ratu Apisai Vuniyayawa Tora, was laid to rest at Natalau, Sabeto, Nadi yesterday in a unique funeral.
He had adopted the name Mohammed after converting to Islam.
His casket was carried by pallbearers with his bête (traditional priest) guarding it until his burial. This is customary of the chiefly system in certain parts of the western division.
Related stories
Before he was laid to the rest, the Muslim community conducted their final prayer, Janaza.
Politicians and businessmen were among the hundreds who converged at Sabeto to pay their last respects to the politician who served in Parliament following Fiji’s independence from Great Britain in 1970.
Mourners at the funeral of the late Ratu Apisai Tora at his village of Natalau, Nadi on August 14, 2020. Photo: Mereleki Nai
The late Mr Tora died peacefully at Lautoka Hospital last Thursday (August 6).
He was 86 and had been battling cancer.
Mr Tora is survived by 10 children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola
Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj
