The fight for Tui Labasa title continues, nine months after Ratu Jone Qomate was installed at Nasekula Village.

Yesterday, the I-taukei Appeals Tribunal concluded an appeal hearing against Ratu Jone’s installation.

The three-member Tribunal convened the three day hearing at Nasekula Village on Tuesday following an appeal filed by Ratu Kiniviliame Waqanitoga from the Wasavulu clan.

Early last year, the Native Lands and Fisheries Commission (NLC) had given the title to Ratu Jone Qomate and they also gave those who opposed their decision 90 days to file their appeal.

Ratu Kiniviliame claims, the Tui Labasa title rightfully belongs to the Drauna family.

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

Ratu Jone was installed as the Tui Labasa on August 31st, 2018.

Tribunal Chair Aminiasi Katonivualiku says they will need at least two weeks to analyze all the information gathered from the three day hearing.

They will make a final decision on the rightful holder of the title on the 15th of next month at Naseakula Village.