Iakoba Italeli facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Iakoba Italeli GCMG
Italeli in 2015
Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu
Incumbent
Assumed office 27 February 2024
Monarch	Charles III
Prime Minister	Feleti Teo
Preceded by	Samuelu Teo
Governor-General of Tuvalu
In office 16 April 2010 – 22 August 2019
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Prime Minister	Apisai Ielemia Maatia Toafa Willy Telavi Enele Sopoaga
Preceded by	Kamuta Latasi
Succeeded by	Teniku Talesi (acting)
Member of the Tuvaluan Parliament for Nui
Incumbent
Assumed office 26 January 2024
Preceded by	Puakena Boreham
In office 3 August 2006 – 16 September 2010
Preceded by	Taom Tanukale
Succeeded by	Taom Tanukale
Attorney General of Tuvalu
In office 2002–2006
Preceded by	Feleti Teo
Succeeded by	Eselealofa Apinelu
Personal details
Born	Iakoba Taeia Italeli
Political party	Independent
Spouse	Koling Italeli Taeia
Alma mater	University of Malta

Sir Iakoba Taeia Italeli is a well-known politician from Tuvalu, a small island nation. He has held several important roles in his country's government. From 2010 to 2019, he served as the Governor-General of Tuvalu. This role meant he was the representative of the Queen of Tuvalu.

After his time as Governor-General, he decided to run for election again. He was elected as a member of parliament in 2024. Today, he is the Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu. Before becoming a politician, Sir Iakoba was also the Attorney General of Tuvalu from 2002 to 2006.

Sir Iakoba's Early Career

Before entering the world of politics, Iakoba Italeli worked in the police force in Tuvalu for 20 years. He started as a constable and worked his way up to become a deputy commissioner. This shows his dedication and hard work.

In 2001, he finished his studies at the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta. Soon after, in 2002, he was chosen to be the acting Attorney General. He held this important legal position until 2006.

First Time in Parliament

Iakoba Italeli first ran for public office in the 2006 general election in Tuvalu. He won the election and became a representative for the Nui district in the Parliament of Tuvalu. He served in this role for four years.

During this time, he also became a minister in the government. He was the Minister of Education, Sports, and Health. He worked under the Prime Minister, Apisai Ielemia. He stayed as a minister until 2010, when he was appointed as the Governor-General.

His younger brother, Isaia Italeli, also became a Member of Parliament for Nui. He later served as the Speaker of Parliament.

Role as Governor-General

In 2010, Sir Iakoba Italeli was appointed as the Governor-General of Tuvalu by Elizabeth II, who was the Queen of Tuvalu at the time. This is a very high-ranking position. In 2011, he was honored with a special title, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG).

In 2013, Tuvalu faced a political challenge. The Prime Minister, Willy Telavi, lost the support of most members in Parliament. The opposition party then had more members. They asked the Governor-General to call Parliament together.

The Prime Minister did not want Parliament to meet. However, Sir Iakoba Italeli used his special powers as Governor-General. He called Parliament to meet on July 30. This was an important step to solve the political problem.

Later, on August 1, Sir Iakoba replaced Prime Minister Telavi with the opposition leader, Enele Sopoaga. He made sure Parliament met to vote on the government's leadership. The Queen of Tuvalu supported Sir Iakoba's actions, and his position as Governor-General remained secure.

Second Time in Parliament

After his term as Governor-General ended in 2019, Sir Iakoba Italeli ran for parliament again in the 2024 general election. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Nui once more.

On February 27, 2024, Sir Iakoba Italeli was chosen to be the Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu. This means he leads the meetings of Parliament and makes sure rules are followed.

See also

• Politics of Tuvalu
• Tuvaluan constitutional crisis