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On November 4, 1988, Bulou Eta Vosailagi, the 75-year-old sister of the late Kalevu Chief Ratu Imanueli Vosailagi, was formally installed as the Kalevu Chief and Paramount Chief of Nadroga.
This was the opening line of an article published in the Fiji Times the next day.
Weeks ago, her nephew, Ratu Sakiusa Makutu, was also installed as the Kalevu king by a rival group.
The rivals claim the case should be referred to the Native Land Commission (NLC) to determine who is the rightful owner of the land.
The kingmaker of Nadroga, Chief Yawusa of Lowatu, decided to petition the NLC to conduct an investigation and make a ruling.
Previously, the two sides had tried to reach an agreement on who should serve as the chieftain of Kalevu, but supporters of the two chiefs ultimately failed to compromise on the issue and the position has remained vacant for more than five years.
The last Ka Levu was Ratu Imanueli Vosailagi, who succeeded Ratu Sakiusa’s father, Ratu Tevita Makutu, who died in 1970.
Mrs. Ratu Imanueli Vosailagi died in 1982 and the title has remained vacant since then, with Bulou Eta holding the title of Ka Levu temporarily.
Chief Ratu Osea Gavidi, a member of the chieftain’s family, said after the November 4 ceremony that it is customary in Nadroga that no one should be appointed if there is a dispute.
However, when a group of Nadroga installed the chieftaincy of Ratu Sakiusa Makutu in October 1988, supporters of Bulou Eta Vosailagi decided to go ahead with the chieftaincy installation.
“We must now request a formal legal inquiry from the Aboriginal Land Commission to resolve this matter once and for all,” Ratuosia said.
“The Native Land Council has the legal power and duty under the Native Land Act to intervene in disputes like this.”
Ratu Osea said the formal NLC investigation would provide supporters of Ratu Tevita Makutu with a “fair hearing” and the opportunity to present their case.
The chieftaincy title has rotated between the Makutu and Vosailagi families over the years since the days of the late Ratu Tevita Makutu, Ratu Sakiusa’s grandfather, Ratu Timoci Vosailagi.
Queen Mother Ratu Tevita dies and Queen Mother Ratu Timoci succeeds her.
After Ratu Timothy’s death, Ratu Tevita Makutu (Queen Sakiusa’s father) became Kalevu.
After his death in 1973, his cousin Ratu Imanueli Vosailagi took over until his death in October 1982.
The position has remained vacant since then.
But Bulou Eta Vosailagi has been given the power to perform the duties even though she was not appointed as per tradition.
Supporters of Ratu Makutu believe that since the title alternates between the two families, the descendants of Ratu Tevita should become Ka Levu because the previous Ka Levu was a Vosailagi.
Bulueta’s name was recognized by 31 Nadroga and Navosa chiefs, most of whom attended the Nov. 4 ceremony.
Ratu Sakiusa Makutu did not attend the meeting held on the village green in Cuvu, even though it was witnessed by at least 800 people.
Several Western District chiefs were also present.
The President of the Methodist Church of Fiji, Reverend Josateki Koroi, held a brief church ceremony and prayer to bless the new chief’s inauguration.
He stressed the importance of Bulou Eta Vosailagi’s duties to her people, church and country after being traditionally bestowed with the title and power of Ka Levu.
Blue Etta then thanked people for their trust in her and vowed to perform her duties as required.
The ceremony was conducted by members of the Tokatokanawata Nitawak tribe, after receiving official approval from the chief.
A member of the Tokatoka tribe, Ratu Osea Nalasibukubuku, had previously said they had no problem with the young chief, Ratu Sakiusa Makutu, but they wanted 75-year-old Bulou Eta to inherit the chieftainship title as she had been carrying out the duties of the Kalevu tribe since her brother died in 1982.
Many believe that she has the experience to perform the duties of a chieftain and at the age of 41, Ratu Saki Usamakutu still has time to learn more about the duties of a chieftain.
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