Rewa Vunivalu Appointed

Rewa appoints Ro Epeli as Vunivalu
Sunday, August 03, 2008

MEMBERS of mataqali Nukunitabua have appointed former senator Ro Epeli Mataitini as the new Vunivalu of Rewa.

The four sub clans or tokatoka that make up the mataqali made the decision at a meeting in Lomanikoro last week.

Members said a simple veivagunuvi or yaqona ceremony to mark his assuming the role would be held on August 16.

"There will be a church service, yaqona ceremony then a kana vata (feast)," a mataqali member said.

Ro Epeli was a senior member of the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei and member of the House of Representatives.

Under the leadership of Ratu Tu'uakitau Cokanauto he was a member of the GCC taskforce that reviewed the council and its membership law.

However in the second round he was excluded from the committee.

The Yavusa Vasu will conduct the ceremony for the four sub clans.

In olden days he would be the warlord on which the paramount chief would rely upon to fight wars.

Today he still acts as protector of the Roko Tui Dreketi and close confidante.