Epeli Nailatikau facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brigadier-General the Honourable Ratu Epeli Nailatikau CF LVO OBE MSD KSTJ
Nailatikau in 2012
President of Fiji
In office 30 July 2009 – 12 November 2015 Acting: 30 July 2009 – 5 November 2009
Preceded by	Josefa Iloilo
Succeeded by	George Konrote
2nd Speaker of the Parliament
In office 11 February 2019 – 24 December 2022
Preceded by	Jiko Luveni
Succeeded by	Naiqama Lalabalavu
Speaker of the House of Representatives of Fiji
In office 2001–2006
Preceded by	Apenisa Kurisaqila
Succeeded by	Pita Nacuva
Vice-President of Fiji
In office 17 April 2009 – 30 July 2009
President	Josefa Iloilo
Preceded by	Joni Madraiwiwi (2006)
Succeeded by	Office Abolished
Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji
In office August 2000 – 2001
Succeeded by	Tupeni Baba
In office 2001 – September 2001
Preceded by	Tupeni Baba
Personal details
Born	(1941-07-05)5 July 1941 Suva, Colony of Fiji
Died	26 March 2026(2026-03-26) (aged 84)
Political party	Independent
Spouse	Adi Koila Mara ​ (m. 1981⁠–⁠2026)​
Children	2
Parent	Edward Cakobau (father)

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (born 5 July 1941, died 26 March 2026) was an important leader from Fiji. He was the President of Fiji from 2009 to 2015. Ratu Epeli had a long and distinguished career. He served in the military, worked as a diplomat, and held many roles in the government.

He was the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006. This was an important part of Fiji's Parliament. Later, he served as a minister in different government departments. In 2009, he was appointed the Vice-President.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau became the acting president on 30 July 2009. He then officially became the President of Fiji on 5 November 2009. He served in this role until 2015. In 2019, he was also chosen to be the Speaker of the Fijian Parliament.

Early Life and Military Service

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau came from a family of important leaders in Fiji. He spent 20 years serving in the military. He went to schools like Bau District School and Queen Victoria School. After his schooling, he trained to be a soldier in New Zealand.

In 1966, he served with the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment in Malaysia. He was a well-liked and respected officer. When he returned to Fiji, he moved up in the military ranks. By 1987, he was a Brigadier-General and led the Royal Fiji Military Forces. During this time, there was a change in government leadership in Fiji. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau then left his military role.

Diplomatic Work

After his military career, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau started working in diplomacy. This means he represented Fiji in other countries. He studied at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

He became Fiji's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He also served as Fiji's ambassador to several countries. These included Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Israel, and the Holy See. Later, he worked as an ambassador for Fiji to countries in the South Pacific Forum. In 1999, he became a top official for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

Government Roles

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau played a big part in Fiji's government. After some political challenges in 2000, he was considered for the role of Prime Minister. He later became Deputy Prime Minister and a minister for Fijian Affairs.

In 2001, after new elections, he was chosen as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He held this important position until 2006.

Later, in 2007, he became the Minister for Foreign Affairs. He also served as the Minister for Provincial Development. This role focused on helping communities across Fiji. In 2009, he was appointed as the Vice-President of Fiji.

Serving as Acting Prime Minister

In September 2007, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau briefly served as the acting Prime Minister. He took on this role while the Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, was traveling.

Becoming President

On 30 July 2009, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau became the acting president. This happened after President Josefa Iloilo retired. He was then officially appointed as the President on 5 November 2009. He served as Fiji's head of state until 2015.

Working for Health Awareness

In 2005, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau became a special representative for UNAIDS in the Pacific region. UNAIDS is a program by the United Nations that works to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. He was chosen because he was a respected leader. He spoke openly about important health topics.

He encouraged people to learn about HIV/AIDS. He believed it was important to talk about making healthy choices. He wanted everyone to understand how to protect themselves. He also asked community leaders to help spread this important health information. His goal was to make sure everyone had the knowledge to stay safe and healthy.

Family and Legacy

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau held the title Ratu, which means he was a chief by birth. He was the second son of Ratu Edward Cakobau. His father led the Fijian Battalion during World War II. Ratu Epeli was also a descendant of Seru Epenisa Cakobau, an important historical leader of Fiji.

In 1981, he married Adi Koila Mara. She was the daughter of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who was also a former Prime Minister and President of Fiji. Adi Koila was also a politician, serving in Parliament. Ratu Epeli and Adi Koila had two children, a son named Kamisese Vuna and a daughter named Litia Cakobau.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau passed away on 26 March 2026, at the age of 84. He is remembered for his many years of service to Fiji.

Honours

National honours

•  Fiji:
  • Companions of the Order of Fiji (CF)
  • Meritorious Service Decoration (MSD)

Foreign honours

•  Tonga:
  • Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Tonga (31 July 2008).
•  United Kingdom:
  • Honorary Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO)
  • Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
  • Knight of the Most Venerable Order of Saint John (KStJ)

See also

In Spanish: Epeli Nailatikau para niños