“Fofo was one of American Samoa’s most prized treasures. His passing is a great loss for our territory.”
That’s a statement from Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean on the passing of former Congressman Fofo Sunia, an authority on Samoan language and culture, and a respected historian and statesman.
Tuaolo was emotional when he reflected on his friendship with Fofo who passed away Tuesday at the age of 88.
“He was my teacher on language and politics,” said the Senate leader. “We go back a long way.” Tuaolo was a member of the House of Representatives when Fofo was a senator for Manu’a District #1 and was chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.
Tuaolo recalls that Fofo has contributed so much knowledge on the history of American Samoa. He authored the Fono’s 50th Jubilee Book and compiled the report of the Last Political Status Study Commission which visited several Pacific islands. Fofo is also the author of several books on the Samoan language.
“I learned so much from him, especially language and politics,” Tuaolo reminisced. “I don’t think we have anyone else that’s close to his caliber”.
Tuaolo observed that in his lauga, Samoan oratory, Fofo used simple words which carried powerful messages.
He said the absence of Fofo as a fatherly figure in the territory will be felt. “I will miss his friendship and his counsel,” said Tuaolo.
