The Vanua ko Vuda is preparing to bid a final farewell to its paramount chief, Turaga na Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia, who passed away on July 30, 2026, just weeks before his 96th birthday on September 25.

Speaking to Fiji One News, Mata ni Tikina and Turaga ni Koro of Veiseisei, Inoke Momoidonu, said traditional chiefly protocols have been observed over the past several days as the Vanua mourns the loss of one of its most respected leaders.

Momoidonu highlighted that the Bose Vanua ko Vuda met on Tuesday afternoon to finalise funeral arrangements. 

As the village church is currently under construction, village elders have decided that the funeral service will be held on the village green facing the Delaniyavu Vaka-Turaga ko Vunisei.

Traditional reguregu for all tikina within the Vanua ko Vuda will begin tomorrow and continue until Tuesday, August 11. 

The late Turaga na Tui Vuda will be laid to rest on Wednesday, August 12.

Ratu Eparama served as Turaga na Tui Vuda for 15 years, succeeding the late former President of Fiji and Tui Vuda, Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, who passed away on February 6, 2011, at the age of 90.

During his leadership, he oversaw several significant developments for the Vanua. 

These included the construction of a new two-storey, eight-classroom building at Vuda District School, also spear-heading plans to relocate the Republic of Fiji Military Forces camp to Kubunasarava, near the historic gun site in Vuda.

Momoidonu also described Ratu Eparama as Fiji’s last surviving World War II veteran and the last remaining paramount chief of his generation within the Vanua ko Vuda. 

He was a cousin of the late Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda and the late Ratu Sir Josaia Tavaiqia, both of whom were highly respected leaders of the Vanua.

According to Momoidonu, Ratu Eparama is also believed to be the first Turaga na Tui Vuda to have lived to almost 96 years of age, marking the end of an era for the Vanua ko Vuda and leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership and dedication to his people.

BY: JOELI RAGONELIWA