Tui Labasa Title Dispute - 2006

Fijilive Monday July 31, 2006

The vanua of Wasavulu in Labasa remain divided over the title of Tui Labasa despite the Native Land Commission declaring a rightful holder.

The new Tui Labasa Adi Salaseini Tuilomaloma Ritova Qomate has however vowed to unite her people.

She had been declared the rightful holder of the title by NLC chairman Ratu Viliame Tagivetaua.

The 76-year-old former Fiji Sugar Corporation employee said she would make it her business to ensure that the vanua was united under her reign.

Adi Salaseini said the post was rightfully hers by inheritance although she gave it to her younger brothers, Ratu Tevita and Ratu Joeli.

The chiefly title was made vacant after Ratu Joeli died in 2002.

There was a dispute for the title with the Drauna and Dimuri family claiming ownership until the NLC judgement.

Ratu Viliame said the title of Tui Labasa rightfully belonged to the Qomate family and not the mataqali.