Adi Samanunu wanted peace in family

The two strong contenders for the vacant Vunivalu title were told today that their late sister Adi Samanunu Cakobau Talakuli did not want them to fight over the title but love and respect each other as brothers.

These were the sentiments of Nakelo spokesman Poasa Navakavanua during the funeral service of Adi Samanunu in Nakelo earlier this morning.

Navakavanua spoke on behalf of Tui Nakelo and his people.

He said her advice was directed towards Ratu George Kadavulevu Cakobau and Ratu Epenisa Cakobau who are fighting over the title of the Vunivalu since the death of their father Ratu Seru Cakobau.

Adi Samanunu’s siblings include Ratu George Cakobau Jr, Adi Litia Qalirea Cakobau, and Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau.

Navakavanua said if she (Adi Samanunu) was given a chance to live again and give her advice ,then it would be to love and respect each other.

“She was a well spoken and a good representative of Bau to Nakelo. Despite her chiefly title in Bau, the lady submitted herself to her husband, the Tui Nakelo and respected him.”

Meanwhile the church and village today is full of people from different races including former parliamentarians, high chiefs all gathered to pay their last respect to Adi Samanunu before she is laid to rest at the sacred burial ground in Nakelo.

The road to the village was closed as the church service took place and bati’s were also standing around the village.

Women were told to put their hair down.

This seemed a given day for Adi Samanunu’s funeral as the sunny and bright condition compliments the day.
 
Adi Samanunu is survived by her husband Manasa Talakuli, who was the first Fijian to be commissioned into the British Army and her only son.

By Ropate Valemei and Farzana Nisha