Son of Fiji's first PM returns from exile, receives chiefly status in silent, traditional ceremonies.

Roko Ului, son of Fiji's first prime minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, was recently elevated to chiefly status in two ceremonies on Nayau and Lakeba Islands. The ceremonies, attended by thousands, were marked by complete silence as a sign of respect. Roko Ului, formerly in exile in Tonga since 2011, returned in 2023. The event highlights the deep cultural significance in Fijian governance and daily life, with traditions like the removal of ornate attire and dipping in a saltwater pit symbolizing connections to ancestors and village life.