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Tuʻi Pelehake


The Tuʻipelehake (or Tuʻi Pelehake to be more consistent with similar titles, like Tuʻi Tonga, Tuʻi Haʻatakalaua and Tu'i Kanokupolu) is the second highest ranking chiefly title in Tonga. In the absence of the ancient Tuʻi Faleua title, the Tuʻipelehake title is second in rank after the King's title, Tu'i Kanokupolu. There have been several holders of the title mainly from the ruling royal family, from princes to prime ministers. It is Tongan custom to refer to the holder by his customary title, only adding his given name if confusion may arise. For example, Tuʻi Pelehake (ʻUluvalu).

The Estates of the Tuʻi Pelehake are:

All of the Noble Titles of Tonga were formalised into their current states through royal decree under the Constitution of 1875. This hierarchy of titles were instituted by King George Tāufaʻāhau Tupou I in 19th Century. The Tuʻi Pelehake was one of the six most ancient titles of Tonga. The fact that these six titles were held by some of the most powerful chiefs of the day, ultimately saved from extinction. While, on the other hand, Tupou I allowed hundreds of other titles-of-nobility to fall into abeyance. The Tuʻi Pelehake title goes back to the first Tuʻi Tonga, ʻAhoʻeitu, in the 10th Century. His oldest brother, Talafale, was bestowed the titles Tuʻi Pelehake and Tuʻi Faleua, backup titles in case the Tuʻi Tonga line would die out. Note that the original Tuʻi Pelehake title therefore derives its authority from the Tuʻi Tonga, even though it came to King George Tupou II, it has been essentially linked to the Tuʻi Kanokupolu.

Lekaumoana's oldest son Maile Latamai was banished to Fiji, his younger son Uluvalu became the next Tui'pelehake.


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