Death of the People's President: Fiji mourns Ratu Epeli Nailatikau

B.M. Allsopp
Apr 24
4 min read

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the 'People's President — Ratu Epeli Nailatikau Source: Fiji government

Fiji mourns Ratu Epeli Nailatikau

It's not often that a nation is in shock following the death of an 84-year-old citizen. And in Fiji, 84 years is way beyond the average citizen's life expectancy. But Fiji is still reeling, nearly a month after Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, former Fijian President and high chief, passed away peacefully at his home in Suva, the island nation's capital, where he was born.

Often dubbed the "People’s President", Ratu Nailatikau was a highly respected statesman, military leader, and chief who served as Fiji's President from 2009 to 2015.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka described him as a leader whose style was defined by "influence, integrity, and inspiration".

"Royal by birth, humble by choice" quote from Lice Movono, ABC Pacific

Ratu Epeli was born an aristocrat, and many would use the term royal. He was a son of the revered Sir Edward Cakobau, and so direct descendant of paramount chief Seru Cakobau, who ceded the islands to Queen Victoria in 1874. He was also a grandson of King George Tupou II of Tonga. His lineage alone would make him highly respected in Fiji and his long list of senior public positions made him very well known. But Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was widely loved as well, because of his good humour and enjoyment of the company of his fellow citizens, irrespective of their status or race. He liked to walk around Suva by himself, shopping for groceries and eating in modest cafes where he would chat with people about their lives and concerns.

Ratu Epeli & Adi Koila Nailatikau at daughter Litia's admission to the Bar — Ratu Epeli and Adi Koila with daughter Litia.

Ratu Nailatikau is survived by his wife Adi Koila Mara, a son, Kamisese Vuni and a daughter, Litia Cakobau. Adi Koila is a daughter of Fiji's founding father Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and is also a lawyer who has served as an MP, cabinet Minister and Senator.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's career

Military: In 1978, Nailatikau was the first battalion commander of Fiji’s troops on peacekeeping duties with the United Nations in Lebanon. He rose through the ranks to become a brigadier and head of the then-Royal Fiji Military Forces. While he was on an official visit to Australia, Colonel Rabuka led the first of Fiji's coups, taking over parliament in 1987 and effectively usurping Nailatikau's position as Commander. Nailatikau resigned.
Diplomacy: After studying at Oxford University, Nailatikau became Fiji's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, then to the member states of the South Pacific Forum, before taking up a post as Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade in 1999.
Politics: Following the 2000 coups, which he opposed, Nailatikau held roles as Deputy Prime Minister (2000–2001), Speaker of the House of Representatives (2001–2006) and speaker of Parliament (2019-2022}. However, Nailatikau was never a Member of Parliament MP). He was elected by the MPs to serve as Speaker, a role which Fiji's Constitution permits a non-MP to fill. Ratu Nailatikau was deeply familiar with the processes and procedures of the House and was respected by members on both sides for his fairness and authority.
Campaigner against HIV/AIDS: In 2005, Nailatikau was appointed the UNAIDS special representative for the Pacific. Repeatedly over the years and despite controversy, Nailatikau called on people to recognise the reality that promiscuity existed, and actively promoted safe sex measures to combat the associated AIDS risk.
President: From 2009-15, Fiji benefited from Nailatikau's calm guidance, as he commanded wide respect during this difficult period following the Bainimarama coup in 2006. His experience and steady presence ensured peace during the fraught consultations which resulted in a new Constitution.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's state funeral

A State Funeral was held on 17 April 2026 to honour Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's life of service. Following a memorial church service at Albert Park, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces led a cortege through Suva City, travelling along the streets where he enjoyed walking and past the offices where he had worked.

I've included a video of the cortege and the burial below. You'll notice most of the people lining the streets are sitting on the footpath. This is to ensure their heads are lower than the head of the chief, a mark of respect.

Burial on the chiefly island of Bau

In the afternoon, Ratu Epeli's chief mourners accompanied him by launch to his ancestral home of Bau Island where he was laid to rest at the sacred burial ground for chiefs. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials and Pacific royalty, including King Tupou VI of Tonga. The video clip also includes elements of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's burial.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm0ZLV5atUw

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will not be forgotten.

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