The Itaukei Appeals Tribunal has ruled that Ratu Jone Qomate remain the Tui Labasa.

The Tribunal made their ruling today, three weeks after conducting a hearing at Nasekuka Village.

The hearing was conducted following an appeal filed by Ratu Kiniviliame Waqanitoga of the Wasavulu Clan against the decision by the Native Lands and Fisheries Commission to give the Tui Labasa title to Ratu Jone Qomate.

In the appeal, Ratu Kiniviliame is also laying claim to the Tui Labasa title.

In the ruling, Tribunal Chair Aminiasi Katonivualiku says there was insufficient documentary evidence to support the claims.

The fight for the Tui Labasa title has been ongoing for generations between two factions of the same chiefly Wasavulu clan, the Drauna’s and the Qomate’s.

Ratu Kiniviliame claims by birthright, the title belongs to the Drauna family and that the Qomate family only have maternal links to the Wasavulu clan.

The Qomate family has held the title for generations now.

The Tribunal has given Ratu Kiniviliame 90 days seek a judicial review against their ruling with the High Court.