Tovata

Tovata is one of three confederacies comprising the Fijian House of Chiefs, to which all of Fiji's chiefs belong. It is located in the north and east of the country, covering the provinces of Bua, Macuata and Cakaudrove on the northern island Vanua Levu, as well as the province of the Lau Islands.

The village of Somosomo on Vanua Levu is the capital of the Tovata Confederacy.

The paramount chief of this confederacy is the Tui Cakau, who is also the paramount chief of Cakaudrove Province. It is currently held by Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who won a court battle in 2001 to succeed his late father, Ratu Glanville Lalabalavu, who died in 1999. He had been challenged by Ratu Epeli Ganilau, son of former President Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, who had been the Tui Cakau up to his death in 1993.

Although the smallest of the three confederacies, Tovata has been the most politically influential. Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, considered the father of modern Fiji, was from Tovata, as were Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Fiji's longtime first Prime Minister and second President; Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, the first President of Fiji. In addition, Sitiveni Rabuka, former Prime Minister, and Laisenia Qarase, the current Prime Minister, are also both from Tovata.

Sources: Maori News (Fiji Supplement); Tui Cakau