Tovata Confederacy

Tovata is one of three ''confederacies'' comprising the Fiji an House Of Chiefs , to which all of Fiji's Chiefs belong. It is located in the north east of the country, covering the provinces of Bua , Macuata and Cakaudrove on the northern island Vanua Levu , as well as the Lau Islands .

The village of Somosomo on Vanua Levu is the current capital of the Tovata Confederacy.

The Paramount Chief of this confederacy is the Tui Cakau , who is also the paramount chief of Cakaudrove Province. It is currently held by ''Ratu'' Naiqama Lalabalavu , who won a court battle in 2001 to succeed his late father, ''Ratu'' Glanville Lalabalavu , who died in 1999 . He had been challenged by ''Ratu'' Epeli Ganilau , son of former President ''Ratu Sir'' Penaia Ganilau , who had been the Tui Cakau up to his death in 1993 .

Although the smallest of the three confederacies, Tovata has been the most politically influential. ''Ratu Sir'' Lala Sukuna , considered the father of modern Fiji, was from Tovata, as were ''Ratu Sir'' Kamisese Mara , Fiji's longtime first Prime Minister and second President; Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, the first President of Fiji. In addition, Sitiveni Rabuka , former Prime Minister, and Laisenia Qarase , the current Prime Minister, are also both from Tovata.

Sources: Maori News (Fiji Supplement) ; Tui Cakau

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