Lala Mara

Ro Lady Lala Mara, maiden name Litia Cakobau Lalabalavu Katoafutoga Tuisawau (January 4 1931 – July 20 2004) was a Fijian chief, who was better known as the widow of the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, modern Fiji's founding father who served for many years as Prime Minister and President of his country. As Fiji's First Lady, Adi Lala took on a diplomatic role, frequently representing her country abroad. She was regarded as a formidable and astute woman, whose influence on her husband was said to be considerable.

Controversies following her death

Adi Lala's death, only three months after that of her husband, was announced in Suva on July 20, 2004. No immediate cause of death was given. Allegations were subsequently made in Parliament, however, that she had suffered a fatal heart attack after hearing the distressing news that her son-in-law, Ratu Epeli Ganilau, was to be dismissed as Chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs, which was "the last straw" after her husband's death three months earlier. Senator James Ah Koy claimed on the floor of the Senate to have received the information from sources close to Adi Lala's family, and charged the Qarase government with responsibility for her death because of its involvement in Ganilau's sacking. His comments drew a strong rebuke from the Chairman of the Kadavu Provincial Council, which Ah Koy represents in the Senate. Ratu Joe Nawalowalo called his speech "gutter material" which "belittled" the close relationship Adi Lala had enjoyed with the province.

Related Topics:
July 20 - 2004 - Parliament - ''Ratu'' Epeli Ganilau - Chairman - Great Council of Chiefs - Senator - James Ah Koy - Qarase - Kadavu - ''Ratu'' Joe Nawalowalo

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Adi Lala was succeeded as Roko Tui Dreketi by her younger sister, Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa, who is also Minister for Education in the Qarase government.

Related Topics:
Roko Tui Dreketi - Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa - Qarase

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