Faumuinā Paramount Title to be Bestowed Tomorrow

The iconic Lepea village, seat of the Faumuinā paramount title as traditional presentations were made this week ahead of the traditional title bestowment ceremony.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 25 MARCH 2021: The paramount chiefly title Faumuinā o Lepea will be bestowed tomorrow morning on a former church minister of the Congregation Christian Church of Samoa, Opapo Soana’i Oeti.

The title has been vacant for 14 years since the passing of the last title holder, the late Member of the Council of Deputies, Faumuinā Anapapa.

Opapo is a descendant of the eldest of the Faumuinā clan and was appointed by the Lands and Titles Court after the title was contested and argued before the Court.

In an interview with Opapo this week, he was humble and expressed his gratitude for the support rendered not only by his family, the village but also the district of Faleata where the paramount title is seated at Lepea village.

Opapo Soanai Oeti, to be bestowed the Faumuinā title in a traditional ceremony tomorrow morning.

The ceremony
The ceremony has been changed to a one day event on Friday this week after last week’s meeting of the various branches of the family.

The program starts early in the morning with traditional presentations before the blessing and church service at 9.00am to be followed by the traditional ceremony of bestowing the Faumuinā title upon Opapo. All the events will be held at the Lepea malae.

Throughout this week, various traditional presentations were made to the titleholder and the family at the Lepea.

ere made to the titleholder and the family at the Lepea malae.