Joni Madraiwiwi I facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joni Madraiwiwi
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Madraiwiwi, probably while he was Roko Tui Ra
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| Appointed Member of the Legislative Council | |
| Roko Tui of Ra Province | |
| In office 1896– |
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| Roko Tui of Bua Province | |
| In office 1904– |
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| Roko Tui of Tailevu Province | |
| In office 1912–1920 |
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| Preceded by | Penaia Kadavulevu |
| Succeeded by | Popi Seniloli |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1859 Suva, Fiji |
| Died | December 1920 |
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi (1859 – December 1920) was an important Fijian leader and government official. He lived during the time when Fiji was a British Crown Colony. He was known as a "Ratu," which is a traditional Fijian chief's title. He helped manage the country's affairs as an early administrator.
Who Was Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi?
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi was a respected chief and a key figure in Fiji's early colonial government. He worked to serve his people and the British administration. His life story shows how Fijian leaders adapted to new forms of government.
Early Life and Family
Joni Madraiwiwi was born in 1859 on Bau Island in Fiji. His father was Ratu Mara Kapaiwai, a chief from Bau. Sadly, his father passed away shortly after Joni's birth.
His mother was Adi Loaloakubou. She was the half-sister of Ratu Cakobau. Ratu Cakobau was a very powerful chief, known as the Vunivalu of Bau. He later became the King of Fiji.
Joni Madraiwiwi was raised in Ratu Cakobau's home. He received his education at Navuloa from Methodist missionaries. After his schooling, he began working for the government as an audit clerk.
In 1887, Madraiwiwi married Adi Litiana Maopa. She was a granddaughter of Ratu Cakobau. They had six children together. Some of their children became very important figures in Fiji's history. These included Lala Sukuna, who became a major leader, and J.A.R. Dovi, Fiji's first qualified doctor.
A Leader in Fiji
Joni Madraiwiwi quickly moved up in the government service. He was appointed to the Legislative Council. This council was a group of people who helped make laws for the colony.
In 1896, he became the Roko Tui of Ra Province. The Roko Tui was the highest position a Fijian could hold in the colonial government. It was a very important role, overseeing the administration of a province.
He also served as Roko Tui for other provinces. In 1904, he became the Roko Tui of Bua Province. Later, in 1912, he was appointed Roko Tui of Tailevu Province. He held this position until 1920. Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi passed away in December 1920.
