14 Jun 2007

Uncertainty in Samoa over Malietoa title recipient

4:08 pm on 14 June 2007

There is uncertainty in Samoa over who will be the given the title of Malietoa after the head of state, Malietoa Tanumafili II, died last month.

Two claimants to the title have objected to the decision by the heirs of the Vainu'upo clan to bestow Faámausili Moli with his late father's title and sought an interim injunction at the Lands and Titles Courts to stop a bestowal ceremony scheduled for tomorrow.

The heirs of Natuitasina and Talavou are also included in the selection process for the next holder of the paramount title as revealed in a Lands and Titles court decision in 1939.

But, our correspondent in Samoa, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says the requirement to consult did not take place.

"So that part of the decision was not obeyed by the Vainu'upo, they went ahead after the late head of state passed away and discussed among themselves a successor, and that is the dissatisfactions by the two other heads of the Malietoa title."

Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says the final decision on who will be the next head of state will be made in Parliament.