By Martha Taumata Faavae
The Faleata district paramount title Faumuina is to be bestowed on the new holder, Mr. Opapo Oeti tomorrow morning, Friday 26 March 2021, at the Lepea Village malae.
The bestowal ends a prolonged process of selection by heirs of the Faumuina family for a rightful holder.
The matter ended up with the Lands and Titles court ruling that granted the rightful entitlement to Opapo Oeti as the new holder.
The Lepea village chiefs are giving the new Faumuina titleholder their full support at the bestowal.
Lepea ‘pulenu’u’ or official Government village representative, Fainu’ulelei Mr. Felise Moors, confirmed the full approval by the chiefs.
“The selection of a rightful heir to be the new Faumuina has been in our prayers for a while and now we finally have someone to lead the village and the family,” Fainu’ulelei told Newsline Samoa.
He also confirmed contribution of fine mats and food by the village chiefs to help out with the family preparations.
Among the past holders of the Faumuina title is the first Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinu’u II and former Cabinet Minister and Member of the Council of Deputies Faumuina Anapapa.