Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and others continue to be questioned by Police.

The Fiji Police Force confirmed yesterday that they had requested the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to provide armed protection in the event of any confrontation with traditionally armed warriors who had already arrived on the island of Bau when they went in to take Ratu Epenisa Cakobau for questioning yesterday.

Police Commissioner, Sitiveni Qiliho says that they however maintained the lead role in the operation and the few armed soldiers were present for police protection as they are an unarmed Force.

It is not clear at this stage how many people were taken in for questioning with Ratu Epenisa.

A team of officers were sent to Bau Island yesterday and took Ratu Epenisa 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 Land Commission which was relayed to them on Thursday night.

Chairman of the Native Land Commission, Ratu Sireli Vananalagi Vesikula says they will not comment on the situation that unfolded.

Vananalagi had earlier stated that it was evident that there was a split in the chiefly household of the Tui Kaba clan.

Ratu Epenisa Cakobau was supposed to be installed as the Vunivalu of Bau yesterday but it has been called off after the Native Lands Commission found that the protocol has been breached in the selection of the proposed candidate Ratu Epenisa Cakobau.

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

The title of Vunivalu of Bau has been vacant since 1989.