Roko Tui Dreketi facts for kids
The Roko Tui Dreketi is a very important traditional leader in Fiji. This person is the main chief of the Rewa Province and also leads the Burebasaga Confederacy. A confederacy is like a group of different areas that are connected and work together.
What is the Roko Tui Dreketi?
This special title is thought to be the second most important chief title in Fiji's House of Chiefs. The House of Chiefs is a group of all the main traditional leaders in Fiji. The family that usually holds this title is the Tuisawau family. What's interesting about this title is that it can be held by either a man or a woman. This is different from some other chief titles in Fiji, which are often only for men.
Who Holds the Title Now?
The current Roko Tui Dreketi is Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Tuisawau-Kepa. She is a very respected leader. Before becoming the Roko Tui Dreketi, she was the Minister for Education in the government led by Mr. Qarase. She became the Roko Tui Dreketi in 2004. She took over from her older sister, Ro Lady Lala Mara, who was Fiji's former First Lady.
Past Roko Tui Dreketi Leaders
Many important people have held the title of Roko Tui Dreketi over the years. The list below shows some of the past leaders. Please note that some information from the early years is not complete.
Roko Tui Dreketi | Years They Led |
Ro Rawalai | |
Roko Tabaivalu | 1825 - 1839 |
Ro Koroitamana | 1839 |
Ro Bativuaka | 1839 |
Ro Macanavai | 1839 |
Ro Cokanauto | 1839 - 1841 |
Ro Qaraniqio | 1839 - 1840 |
Ro Banuve | 1839 - 1845 |
Ro Cokanauto | 1845 - 1851 |
Ro Qaraniqio | 1851 - 1855 |
Ro B.V. Rabici | - 1915 |
Ratu Lutunauga Tuisawau | - 1917 |
Ro Emori Bikavanua Logavatu | 1885–1892 |
George Tuisawau | 1936 - 1961 |
Lala Mara | 1957 - 2004 |
Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Tuisawau Kepa | 2004–present |