Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi laid to rest

The late former Vice President and Roko Tui Bau Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi has been laid to rest at the chiefly tomb or Sau Tabu in Bau.

Our reporter in Bau Rusiate Baleilevuka says about 3,000 people from all walks of life attended the state funeral in Bau today.

Methodist Church of Fiji General Secretary Reverend Epineri Vakadewavosa conducted the service.

Following the service, members of the RFMF carried the casket to the Sau Tabu.

They were followed by the King of Tonga and Ratu Tuakitau Cokanauto.

They then conducted the final gun salute and Last Post for the late former Vice President.

The casket was then handed over to the Matakibau clan from Bau who have the responsibility to take the chief’s casket to the Sau Tabu.

Ratu Tuakitau Cokanauto delivered the eulogy on behalf of the vanua.

He said that Ratu Joni was always holding the vanua together.

Meanwhile former President of the Fiji Law Society Graham Leung also gave a eulogy.

Leung says Ratu Joni had gone through a lot after he resigned as a High Court judge after the 2000 coup and left the Vice President’s post after the 2006 coup.

He adds that he was a man who was never bitter about what had happened to him.

President Jioji Konrote, former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, cabinet ministers, the President of Nauru Baron Waqa, Samoa’s Head of State, Marama Na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa, National Federation Party President Tupou Draunidalo, NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad, former NZ Governor General Anand Satyanand, and many other friends and relatives attended the funeral today.

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.

You can check out the photos and videos of the reguregu and the state funeral of the late former Vice President and Roko Tui Bau on our facebook page, fijivillage