Ratu Tevita Mara

The Tonga-based chief, the son of the former Prime Minister of Fiji, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, received a delegation from the elders of the island of Nayau in Lau last week while visiting Suva.

They traditionally approached him to agree to be installed as the next Turaga na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau, the chiefly title last held by his late father.

Uluilakeba had spent almost 12-years in exile in Tonga. After fleeing Fiji and controversially "rescued at sea" by the Royal Tongan Navy in 2011.

He was one of the senior officers who supported and executed the 2006 coup led by Voreqe Bainimarama.

However, Lieutenant Colonel Ratu Tevita Mara was charged with mutiny and accused of attempting to overthrow the Bainimarama-led government. Mara then fled Fiji in May 2011, and was declared a fugitive by the Fijian government under the Extradition Act.

He was charged for attempting to overthrow ousted Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama’s government in 2010.

Fiji media reported yesterday “Former army officer, Ratu Tevita Mara, arrived in Fiji today – 12 years after seeking political asylum in Tonga”.

“It’s understood he will attend the installation of Ratu Epenisa Cakobau as Vunivalu tomorrow (today Friday)”.

Kaniva News reports following Mara’s appearance in a Fijian court in 2011 for his charge and while released on bail his family contacted the Tongan royal family and asked to help rescued Mara.