A resident of Manu’a says the visit on Saturday by the Tama Aiga Tui Atua Tupua Tamaese Efi to the island of Manu’a signifies the reverence he holds for Manu’a.
Accompanied by Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, Tui Atua, the former Head of State of Samoa and Masiofo Filifilia spent a few hours in Ta’u.
Stepping off the Samoa Airways Twin Otter at Fitiuta Airport, Tuiatua kissed a pillow placed on a mat on the tarmac.
He was welcomed with an ava ceremony by some of the traditional leaders.
The administrator of the Manu’atele Community Worldwide FaceBook page told KHJ News, “This visit is special and sacred and will go down in our oral history and stories of this humble display of respect to the lands of his ancestors and the indigenous peoples that Tui Atua so often and proudly quotes in his speeches.
“Some people in the general public may criticize him that the only one he should be bowing down to is God…yet this gesture was not intended to worship. It is his Afioga’s outwardly display of longing joy to step foot on sacred ground revered in so many Samoan traditions and the origin of stories and landmarks where many trace their genealogy, such as the Tui Atua title that he proudly serves.
“I was touched by his humility. I cried silently at the love he was showing, put aside his notoriety and prestige for all of Manu’a to witness. Everyone that gathered at the Fitiuta Airport observed quietly and in awe. I know the Heavens clapped to greet him and the spirits of Manu’a were pleased that he had come full circle within the Samoan Archipelago, as he was greeted in Fitiuta where the Matāsaua sun rises…”
The administrator of perhaps the most well known Facebook page carrying the name of Manu’a concluded, “We are one. We will always be one and this visit by Le Afioga Le Tama Aiga Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Efi reinforces the bond between our Two Samoas.
Photos: Galumalemana Steve Percival
