Body of late former Vice President and Roko Tui Bau to be laid to rest today

The late former Vice President and Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi will be laid to rest at the chiefly tomb or Sau Tabu in Bau later today.

Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi’s body is now on the island of Bau.

Our reporter in Bau, Rusiate Baleilevuka says the King of Tonga Aho’eitu Tupou VI will present his reguregu this morning.

Government officials have started arriving on the island for the state funeral.

The traditional warriors from Namara who are the Bati Leka, continue to stand guard on Bau Island.

It has already been decided that the Bati Balavu will not be used for Ratu Joni’s funeral to allow the movement of people for the funeral.

The funeral service for the late Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi will start at 10am.

Ratu Joni was also a former lawyer at the Attorney General’s Chambers, a former Permanent Arbitrator and a former High Court Judge.

He was married to Adi Lusiana Tuivanuavou. She is the daughter of the late former President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s sister, Adi Sai Tuivanuavou.

The late Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi was also a former Head Boy and Dux of Suva Grammar School.