Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and others taken in for questioning this morning

Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and others have been taken in for questioning by Police.

This has been confirmed by Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho. 

Qiliho says a team of officers were sent to Bau Island at first light this morning and have taken Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and key players in for questioning after information was received that they were adamant on continuing with the installation ceremony despite the decision made by the Native Lands Commission which was relayed to them last night.

He says no further comments will be made at this stage.

The installation of the Vunivalu of Bau has been called off after the Native Land Commission found that the protocol has been breached in the selection of the proposed candidate Ratu Epenisa Cakobau.

Chairman of the Native Land Commission, Ratu Sireli Vananalagi Vesikula addressed the media confirming that he has instructed the Police Commissioner to stop the installation in Bau Island which is scheduled to be held today.

Ratu Sireli Vesikula says that Ratu Epenisa’s elder brother Ratu Joji Kadavulevu Cakobau had written to the Native Land Commission to dispute this decision.

Ratu Sireli along with a team from the Native Land Commssion had a meeting yesterday with the families from Mataiwelagi, Naisogolaca, Muaidule and Qaranikula in Bau.

Ratu Sireli adds that they will now commence with the disputing process by using a gazette notice for the dispute for the Vunivalu of Bau title.