A member of the Yavusa Navatulevu in Nadi has welcomed the High Court’s decision to quash the declaration of Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci as Tui Nadi, marking a pivotal turn in a lengthy dispute over tribal leadership in the region.
Kalaveti Vueti, who holds the title of liga ni wau ni Momo na Tui Nadi (traditional guard of the Tui Nadi), expressed his gratitude for the ruling and stated that it has been a long time coming. “We are happy and grateful for the court decision that has been made,” Vueti said. “This has been going on for 30 years to date, and I am one of the Tui Nadi’s traditional guards that was part of this 30-year fight till today.”
Vueti reflected on the significance of the ruling, emphasizing that the community has waited too long for justice. “We are happy with the decision made; it has been 30 years fighting for this, and we are thankful that Ratu Asiveni Dawai has been given the Tui Nadi position,” he added.
Ratu Asiveni Dawai’s appointment as Tui Nadi comes amidst a backdrop of conflict and contention. Former Tui Nadi Ratu Vuniyani raised concerns about the public announcement of the court decision by Ratu Asiveni’s lawyers, Fa and Company. He expressed his disappointment in a recent statement, indicating that he felt it inappropriate to publicize a matter he described as sacred to the Vanua o Nadi. “I am unhappy with the actions of Fa and Co publicizing this sacred matter of the Vanua o Nadi,” Ratu Vuniyani said. “We have had countless victories and successes, yet we do not make public statements about it because it is to protect the Vanua o Nadi and its people.”
In response to Ratu Vuniyani’s disappointment, senior lawyer Isireli Fa clarified the intention behind the Facebook post that relayed the court’s decision. “The Facebook post was meant to inform the members of the yavusa e tolu (three tribes) of Narewa and Nakavu Village, who support Ratu Asiveni Dawai, of the outcome of the case that has been ongoing for some time,” Mr. Fa explained. “No offense was intended.” This statement highlights the tension between traditional customs and modern communication methods, as well as the need for transparency among the tribes involved.
The Great Council of Chiefs chairman, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, was approached for comment on the situation. However, he directed inquiries to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, and the permanent secretary, Pita Tagicakirewa, indicated that they would review the court ruling before providing any further insights. The decision has sparked a discussion within the community about leadership and the role of the Tui Nadi, reflecting wider societal changes and the challenges of upholding tradition in contemporary contexts.
This ruling is more than just a court decision; it symbolizes the culmination of decades of struggle and dedication from members of the Yavusa Navatulevu. The acknowledgment of Ratu Asiveni Dawai’s position represents a shift toward unifying tribal leadership, much needed in light of the fracturing conversations surrounding cultural authority and identity in Fiji.
As Nadi navigates this critical juncture, the roads to reconciliation and how best to respect tradition while fostering communication and modern relationships within the tribes remain paramount. The community hopes for a path toward healing and unity, as Kalaveti Vueti articulates the sentiment of many by saying, “Villagers were confident the truth would prevail one day.”
