Tui Nayau is the title held by the paramount chief of the Lau Islands in Fiji and is synonymous with the title holders over lordship of these islands. When translated, Tu’i Nayau means "Lord of Nayau", an island north of Lakeba.
Origins of the title edit
Tu’i Nayau was originally an independent title referring specifically to the overlord of Nayau, then separate from the Lakeba State.
The earliest oral records suggest that the progenitor of the leading family of Nayau stemmed from Naosara, celebrated chief who had won the infamous Cici Turaga, but was not accepted by his older brothers and relatives as he was the youngest in that race. Naosara had sons Buivaroro and Kalouyalewa.
List of the title holders edit
The table below lists the individuals who have held the title of Roko Sau.
| Order | Reigned | Lived | Notes | |
| 1. | Niumataiwalu | Not installed as Tui Nayau | ||
| 2. | Uluilakeba I | Son of Niumataiwalu; not installed as Tu’i Nayau | ||
| 3. (1) | Rasolo | Son of Niumataiwalu; first Tu’i Nayau | ||
| 4. | Matawalu | Son of Niumatawalu; not installed as Tu’i Nayau | ||
| 5. | Dranivia | ... | ... | Son of Uluilakeba I; not installed as Tu’i Nayau |
| 6. | Lubati | ... | ... | Son of Niumatawalu; not installed as Tu’i Nayau |
| 7. (2) | Malani | 17??-1833 | 17??-1833 | Son of Rasolo |
| 8. (3) | Taliai Tupou | 1833–1875 | 17??-1875 | Son of Rasolo |
| 9. | Tevita Uluilakeba II | 1875–1876 | 18??-1876 | Son of Vuetasau, son of Malani; not installed as Tui Nayau |
| 10. (4) | Eroni Loganimoce | 1876–1898 | 18??-1898 | Son of Taliai Tupou |
| 11. (5) | Alifereti Finau Ulugalala | 1898–1934 | 18??-1934 | Son of Uluilakeba II |
| 12. (6) | Tevita Uluilakeba III | 1934–1966 | 1898–1966 | Son of Alifereti Finau Uluqalala |
| 13. (7) | Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara | 1969–2004 | 1920–2004 | Son of Tevita Uluilakeba III |
References edit