Qaranivalu

The Qaranivalu is a senior Chief of Naitasiri Province in Fiji.

The Qaranivalu from 1997 until his death in 2025 was Ratu Inoke Takiveikata. He had played the role of facilitator of the Muanikau Accord between the Fijian military and coup leader George Speight and his group in July 2000, which ended the 58-day parliament hostage crisis. However he was imprisoned in December 2004 for life for his alleged role in the Fiji military mutiny of November 2000. Ratu Inoke was released from prison after the Fiji Court of Appeal overturned the sentencing judgement by Justice Anthony Gates and ruled a mistrial in June 2007.

Chiefly authority

The Qaranivalu exercises direct chiefly authority over the villages of Navuso, Tamavua, Kalabu, Nacokaika, Kasavu, Vuniniudrovu, Naganivatu, Nakini, Natowaika, Deladamanu, Waitolu, and Drekeiwaila, and is considered the overlord of the Roko Tui Vuna, the traditional ruler of the villages of Sawani, Navatuvula, and Colo-i-Suva. According to some sources, this chiefly title is the most senior in the Province of Naitasiri.

A brief history

The Qaranivalu descends from the most senior line of the Vunivalu of Bau, Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau through the Vunivalu's daughter, Adi Arieta Kuila, who married the Qaranivalu at the time, Ratu Timoci Vakaruru. It was during this time that the traditional geographical borders of Naitasiri were redrawn to include the villages of Kasavu, Nabu (inhabitants now residing in Kasavu together with the Yavusa Nawainovo, Yavusa Sawa and Burenitu), Natoaika and Deladamanu. These villages were formerly under the dominion of the Ratu of Verata, Kasavu traditionally being the leading village among the group. These villages are now known as the kai vale of the Qaranivalu.

References

• Viceroy of the Pacific: Life of Sir John Bates Thurston, By Deryck Scarr (Page 92)Published 1980, Australian University Press, ISBN   0-909150-88-5, Original from the University of Michigan, the University of California, Digitized Nov 21, 2006, Reference to the title of the Qaranivalu
• The Majesty of Colour, By Scarr, Deryck, (Page 78, Published 1980, Australian University Press, ISBN   0-7081-0704-4. reference to the title and its ties to Bau.
• King of the cannibal isles - Page 120, Published 1937, Original from the University of California, Digitized Nov 21, 2006.

External links

• Qaranivalu of Naitasiri
• Reference to Qaranivalu case

Passed Qaranivalu holders

(Ratu Timoci Vakaruru(2nd Qaranivalu) (Ratu Peni Tanoa(3rd Qaranivalu) (Ratu Popi Seniloli Qiolevu(4th Qaranivalu Born 1909-1966) (Ratu Vitu Qiolevu)5th Qaranivalu) (Ratu Savenaca Koroi Naulivou(6th Qaranivalu(Born 1936-1997 (Ratu Inoke Takiveikata(Born 28July 1947-2025 7th Qaranivalu)