Gunshots were fired and countless chiefs and untitled men from Amaile gave a standing ovation yesterday as Samoa bid farewell to the holder of the Tama Aiga title, Mata’afa.
Tui Atua Mata’afa Tupuola Lui Iosefo, who was laid to rest at Mulinu’u, passed away peacefully at the beginning of the week. He was 84.
After a celebration of his life at Amaile, Mata’afa Lui’s body was transported to the royal tomb of Mata’afa titleholders at Mulinu’u where his predecessors are resting.
Back at Amaile, hundreds gathered to farewell a man described as a leader, a father and a person who loved his family and his country.
Among the mourners was the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, the Masiofo, Her Highness Filifilia Tamasese, Acting Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament.
Archbishop Alapati Lui Mataeliga conducted his final service at the Amaile Catholic Church.
Among relatives and friends who delivered eulogies was the Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, who said Mata’afa Lui was the chosen one.
Looking back, Fiame said the negotiations and consultations in the lead up to the bestowal of the Mata’afa title on Tupuola Lui was not easy.
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Noting that the “throne of David” had been unoccupied for a very long time, Fiame said there could not have been anyone better for the title.
The last holder of the Mata’afa title was the late Mata’afa Faasuamaleaui Puela Patu in 1977. Tupuola Lui was bestowed the title in 2011.
Yesterday, Fiame said Mata’afa’s passing away is a sad day for the family because he was a man who put his family first. “To Mata’afa his family comes first.
No one was treated differently, to him they were all blood and flesh.”
Mata’afa Lui died two weeks ago at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole hospital.
Mata’afa is survived by his wife, Amelia, 12 children, 39 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
He was a builder and was remembered by his children as a father who wanted his children to be well educated.
Mata’afa is one of the royal family titles, referred to as the Tama Aiga, in Samoa. The holders of the other titles are the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Member of the Council of Deputies, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II while the Malietoa title, once occupied by the late Malietoa Tanumafili II, remains vacant. Rest in love, Tui Atua Mata’afa Tupuola Lui Iosefo!
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