Lala Sukuna

Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna KCMG KBE (22 April 1888 – 30 May 1958) was a Fijian chief, scholar, soldier, and statesman. He is regarded as the forerunner of the post-independence leadership of Fiji. He did more than anybody to lay the groundwork for self-government by fostering the development of modern institutions in Fiji, and although he died a dozen years before independence from the United Kingdom was achieved in 1970, his vision set the course that Fiji was to follow in the years to come.

Josefa Lalabalavu Vana'ali'ali Sukuna was born into a chiefly family on Bau, off the island of Viti Levu, the largest island in the Fiji archipelago. His father, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, was the son of the Bauan noble and rebel leader Ratu Mara Kapaiwai.

After joining the Audit Office as a clerk at an early age, Ratu Madraiwiwi had steadily worked his way up through the civil service, establishing connections along the way that were later to prove decisive in the life of his son. Ratu Sukuna's mother, Adi Litiana Maopa, was the eldest and daughter of the Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba I, the heir of the Tui Nayau, Taliai Tupou (High Chief of Lau).

Ratu Mara Kapaiwai of Bau was born in 1815, son of Ratu Vuibureta and Adi Mere Veisaca. Ratu Vuibureta was sixth son of Ratu Banuve Baleivavalagi the 3rd Vunivalu of Bau from 1770 to 1803 and Adi Litia from Lakeba.

Throughout his life, Ratu Sukuna was regarded as a credible contender for the title of Tui Viti.

Although he was not accorded a chiefly title from Bau his birthplace, he was installed as the second Tui Lau in 1938 following the traditional process of consultation between the Yavusa Tonga of Sawana in Lomaloma and the endorsement of the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba II following the passing of Ratu Alifereti Finau Ulugalala as referenced in the TRY Lakeba and TRY Tonga. He held the title of Tui Lau until his death in 1958.

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