By Martha Taumata Faavae
The newly bestowed head of the Faumuina family clan is to restore harmony and unity for all as his kinsfolk as his first goal at the official start of his reign at the weekend last Friday.
The paramount title for the traditional Faleata district was bestowed at the home ground or ‘malae’ of the Faumuina family at Lepea Village.
The official ceremony to install the new successor started in the early morning on Friday from 6.00am and continued on to mid-day.
“Unity brings peace and harmony to a family and as holder of the Faumuina title that is a responsibility that is on me,” he told Newsline Samoa after his bestowal.
“I am also responsible for putting the affairs of the village in order as well.”
Faumuina Opapo Oeti struggled through divisions in the clan to finally emerge as the rightful holder of the title when the matter was forced to be decided in a ruling from the Lands and Title Court.
He has vowed to win the support of his family by being honest and compassionate in his handling of matters that affects everyone as the way to stay happy and assured.
“All thanks to God for making this moment possible and from hereon the obligation is to return the family to a normal everyday life.
“I’m aware of catch up work to be done after they were held up until a new Faumuina takes over so that will be one my duties to attend to in the family and the village as well.”
Prominent chiefs and orators representing traditional village and district leaderships from around the whole of Samoa converged at the Lepea village malae for the bestowal.
Traditional oratory and presentation of fine mats and food kept everyone busy throughout the occasion.
The Lepea Village ‘pulenu’u’ or official Government representative joined the chorus of happy relief by the chiefs and orators in the village at finally having a new Faumuina title-holder.
The waiting for the village leaders has been a lengthy one while the family struggle to agree on the rightful person to succeed to the title.
“The selection of a rightful heir to be the new Faumuina had been in our prayers for a while and now we finally have someone to lead the village and the family again,” Fainu’ulelei told Newsline Samoa in the lead up to the official bestowal.
Among the past holders of the Faumuina title was the first Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinu’u II.
Former Cabinet Minister and Member of the Council of Deputies Faumuina Anapapa succeeded him.
Last Friday Faumuina Opapo Oeti stepped up to fill the long vacant seat.