Anoama’a 1 Banishes 3 Matais for Changing Districts Decision

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 23 February 2026 – The Anoama’a 1 district met at Lufilufi last Saturday to set the record straight on the districts position to defend their Member of Parliament and Minister of Women, Community & Social Development, against verbal attacks made by former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

The confrontation related to the District Development Project where Tuilaepa had been attacking the process the Chairs of the District Councils and Members were selected.

In an interview that was widely distributed on social media, Tuilaepa referred to the Minister, Moefaauouo Julius Tafafuna’i Ah Kui as a “kid”, “inexperienced” and “cheeky”.

In response the Minister clarified that in the cultural context in the Atua District, Tuilaepa listens to what is decreed from Lufilufi as the Matua, and as an MP and Leader of the Opposition, Tuilaepa should listen to what he as the Minister and Government had decided regarding the project.

Tuilaepa’s statements did no sit well with the Alii ma Faipule of Lufilufi village who met and decided to issue a statement to express their dissatisfaction against Tuilaepa, who is part of the Atua District.

The Alii & Faipule then called a meeting with the media on 14 February to publicize their position. However, when the meeting with the media started, the matais appointed to speak on the villages’ behalf, took an opposite position and instead apologized to Tuilaepa on behalf of the village and “for the Minister’s actions.”

The meeting was cut short and media asked to refrain from broadcasting until the matter is sorted out and before the meeting ended, the Minister expressed his disappointment and sadness at the turn of events.

District representative, Mataafa Peni speaking to the media after the meeting.

Emergency meeting
Within the week, the district called an emergency meeting then called the media again last Saturday to relay their position. Village matai Mataafa Peni told the media that after the meeting of 14 February, they had to call an emergency meeting to correct what was said earlier.

He said each village within the district sent a representative and noted overall support for the Minister and Lufilufi’s decision.

He also confirmed that the village appointed Pouoa Maligi to relay their decision.

In delivering the district’s decision, Pouoa referred to Tuilaepa’s statements against the Minister and subsequent comments by his supporters on social media, were defamatory and belittling which had hurt the Minister’s feelings.

He also said that making those statements against the Minister is also making the same statements against Lufilufi.

Pouoa acknowledged the Government for appointing their MP to a ministerial position and reconfirmed the districts support of the Government for the honour and elevating their MP to a Cabinet Ministerial portfolio.

He also apologised to the media for what happened earlier hence the districts intention to correct it.

Three matai banned
Mataafa confirmed that Lufilufi have banned three matais, Feesago Lopi, Tupa’i Leausa Take Naseri and Mano Tavita for their part in twisting the districts decision that was delivered to the media on 14 February.

Asked how long the banishment is for; Mataafa said until a certain time or when the village decides to lift the ban.

Feesago rather than speaking on the village’s decision apologised for the Minister whilst Tupai said nothing can be done as words have already been spoken. He also asked the Minister to grow thick skin as that is expected in politics.

Tupai was referring to the Ministers response that Tuilaepa was his son within the cultural context of the Atua district that includes Tuilaepa’s village.

Mataafa said the villages decision to ban the three matais was supported by other villages of the Atua district.