The appeal by several families against the Malietoa title currently held by Papalii Faamausili Moli was dismissed last Friday before the Lands and Titles Court. The decision was handed down by the Land and Titles Court (L.T.C.) Deputy President, Afamasaga Michael Soonalole.
As reported earlier by Radio Polynesia, several families appealed the Malietoa title, including Papalii Titituatoa Malietoa; Le Tagaloa Dr Pitaloa; Papalii Kiwi Tamasese; Papalii Talamesi Fitisemanu; SAla Vaaaoao Leo; Papalii John Taimalelagi Afele and Papalii Li’o Taeu Masepa’u, citing they did not agree to support of the holder of the Malietoa title. However, the LTC ruled, they were given ample notice.
In 2017 the LTC ruled in favor of Malietoa Faamausili Moli to take on the Malietoa title. The last titleholder was the Late former Head of State, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II.
Fa’amausili Moli is the son of the late Malietoa Tanumafili II.
According to the decision by the court at the time, “the selection and appointment of Papali’itele Fa’amausili Moli Malietoa.
“The title bestowal will take place as indicated under the Title 20 of the Lands and Titles Act 1981,” the decision read out in Court said.
“After the tenure of Papali’itele Fa’amausili Moli Malietoa as the holder of the Malietoa title, the next in line is a suli (heir) from Malietoa Gatuitasina and if by 12 months they have not decided on anyone, then the title will go to Malietoa Talavou.
“If a suli of Malietoa Talavou has not decided on anyone within 12 months, it will move on to Malietoa Moli for the same process of 12 months.
“This is how the process will continue from here on out over the Malietoa title.”
