Yearbook 2010
According to
COUNTRYAAH, Samoa's head of state Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Efi
(Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi) was banned during the year
from the village where his chief title is anchored. Thus his
position as head of state was threatened.
The banning decision was made by the Lufilufi City
Council and was caused by a building erected on a common at
the head of state's residence without the village being
informed.
According to the Prime Minister's family, there were
court decisions on building permits on the land in question,
but according to Lufilufi's clan leader, Mataias, the Head
of State had not followed the cultural custom that requires
consultation.
Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Efi declared that he would
step down as head of state if the conflict could not be
resolved by consensus. Although he is elected Samoa's head
of state by the country's parliament, the office gets its
meaning that the proprietor is a good mate for his family
and village.
Issues regarding land use that are owned by the
traditional right of large families and families are
extremely sensitive in Samoa and create ongoing litigation.
The title of Tui Atua means that Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese
Tupuola Efi is king or ruler of the Atua district, which
forms a large part of Samoa's main island of Upolu. He was
elected Samoa's head of state in 2007.
|
