There is no controversy over the installation of Ratu Jone Qomate as the Tui Labasa says Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
Speaking after the installation on Friday, Ratu Wiliame says the appointment and installation of Ratu Jone as Tui Labasa has been approved by the Native Lands Commission.
In the weeks leading up to the installation, a faction of the chiefly Wasavulu clan – the Drauna family – has been claiming their right to the title.
However, Ratu Wiliame says, the NLC has ruled in two previous occasions, one in 2006 and another in 2008 – in favour of the Qomate family.
“That will be one of the main challenges that they will face but we need to move on. We need to strengthen the Vanua. Somebody has to sit (in that title). Somebody should take over leadership for the vanua.”
The fight for the position of Tui Labasa has been ongoing for generations among the two families from the same chiefly clan.
The chiefly title had been vacant since the late Marama Tui Labasa Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma Qomate Ritova died in November 2016.
