Tui Nayau

Tui Nayau is the title held by the Paramount Chief of the Lau Islands in Fiji and is synonymous with the title holders over lordship of these islands. When translated Tui Nayau means Lord of Nayau, an island north of Lakeba, the latter being the chief island in the Lauan archipelago. Prior to being installed as Tui Nayau, the claimant must first be installed as High Chief upon the decision of the noble households making up the Vuanirewa clan. Not every High Chief has been installed as Tui Nayau: several have not held office long enough. The last Tui Nayau was Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who died in 2004. His son, Ratu Finau Mara, is considered a likely successor; he has been invited by elders from the village of Tubou (the seat of the chiefdom) to assume the office, but to date (July 2005) there has been no word as to whether or not he has accepted the invitation.

Related Topics:
Lau Islands - Fiji - Nayau - Lakeba - Vuanirewa - Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara - 2004 - Ratu Finau Mara - Tubou - Chiefdom - 2005

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When the Tui Nayau is traditionally installed, his wife or in the past his senior wife was likewise installed with him and bore the title Radini Nayau or Lady of Nayau. The last Radini Nayau was the Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Lady Lala Mara, wife of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

Related Topics:
Radini Nayau - Roko Tui Dreketi - Ro Lady Lala Mara - Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara

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