13 Jun 2007

Rival Malietoa title claimants in Samoa delay bestowal

5:55 pm on 13 June 2007

The bestowal of Samoa's paramount chiefly title Malietoa to Fa'amausili Moli is unlikely to take place this week because of objections to the decision.

Two other claimants to the title have objected to the decision by the heirs of the Vainu'upo clan to bestow Faámausili with his late father's title.

Samoa's late Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili II, died last month.

The heirs of Natuitasina and Talavou are also included in the selection process for the next holder of the paramount title as revealed in a Lands and Titles court decision in 1939.

A representative of the two says it is unfair for the heirs of Vainu'upo to be bestowed with the paramount title as they are also entitled to it as holders of the Malietoa.

The three claimants are expected to meet in one of Samoa's biggest ever court cases in order to find the next Malietoa.