Tui Lau is a Fijian chiefly title of recent history which was created during the time of Ma'afu and his conquests.
Contents
A Brief History
Ma'afu was disclaimed as a Tongan Prince by his cousin King George Tupou I. Since the Vuanirewa tribe of the Lau Islands considered Ma'afu as their own, they therefore installed him as the first Tui Lau.
The Installation
The title of Tui Lau is decided by the Yavusa Toga people residing in Sawana, village on Vanuabalavu, Lau. This is also done in consultation with the Vuanirewa clan on Lakeba.
Recent History
There has been no installation since Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara's time. The current candidates for the title include his eldest living son, Ratu Finau Mara and his brother, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba.
References
Tui Lau Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA