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Wed, 1 Sep 2010
APIA, Samoa (SAMOA OBSERVER) ---- Lufilufi village in Samoa remains defiant in its decision to ban the holder of the Tui Atua title and Head of State Tupua Tamasese Efi from the village.
This was confirmed by the village spokesperson, Fe’esago Lopi, during an interview with the Samoa Observer yesterday.
Mr Fe’esago said the decision to ban Tui Atua was again discussed when Lufilufi met yesterday morning.
He declined to discuss the content of the meeting saying one of the resolutions agreed upon was that no one is allowed to talk to the media about the issue any more.
“So I respect the decision of the village and I have to obey.”
Pressed for a comment, however Mr Fe’esago said Lufilufi remains firm on its decision to ban Tui Atua and members of his family.
He said the village has been informed about the Commission of Inquiry. “So the village is waiting for the Commission of Inquiry,” he said.
Mr Fe’esago said he understands Cabinet is to meet today to decide on the Commission. If that’s the case, Lufilufi will hold another meeting tomorrow.
Two weeks ago, Lufilufi severed ties with the holder of the title, in a move that has sparked a royal row. Fe’esago at the time said Lufilufi will no longer recognise Tupua as the holder of the Tui Atua title.
“Also today, the Tui Atua and all his family and possessions are to leave Lufilufi.”
The two issues at the middle of the dispute are the construction of a smaller shelter next to the main residence for the Head of State in the village.
Lufilufi argued that the village must first be notified before any new developments go ahead.
Secondly, Lufilufi alleges Tui Atua has breached village protocols in bypassing the speaker for the Maota o Tui Atua, the Sa Poloai family, by using other people to convey his wishes to Lufilufi.
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