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Tui Lau is a Fijian chiefly title of recent history which was created by the Vuanirewa Clan of Lakeba with the endorsement of Tui Nayau during the time of Ma'afu and his conquests.
A Brief History
Ma'afu was disclaimed as a Tongan Prince by his cousin King George Tupou I. Since the Vuanirewa Clan of the Lau Islands considered Ma'afu as their own, they therefore bestowed him as the title as the first Tui Lau.
The title was later revived in 1938 by the Vuanirewa Clan and bestowed to Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna upon the approval and support of the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluiilakeba.
Ratu Kamisese Mara, the son of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, was the last to be bestowed the title of Tui Lau. In May 2023 the position was offered to his son, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara.[1]
The Installation
The title of Tui Lau is decided by the Tui Nayau .[2][3][4]
Recent history
There has been no bestowal since Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara's time. The current candidates for the title include his only living son, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara.
Tui Lau Chart of title holders
| Order | Tui Lau | Reigned | Lived |
| 1. | Enele Ma'afu | 1869–1881 | 1816–1881 |
| 2. | Ratu Sir Josefa Lalabalavu Vana'ali'ali Sukuna | 1938–1958 | 1888–1958 |
| 3. | Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara | 1963–2004 | 1920–2004 |
See also
Notes
- ^ "Ratu Tevita Mara to confirm if he will be next Tui Lau". RNZ. 16 March 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
- ^ Mara, Ratu Sir Kamisese: "The Pacific Way: A Memoir", Page 91. University of Hawaii Press, 1997
- ^ Ai Vola Ni Kawabula Yavusa Tonga, Native Lands records.
- ^ Alexander Phillip Lessin, Village of the Conquerors
