Matai oppose Court application
Several matai from the village of Tanugamanono have opposed an application by Tupuola Afa Lesa for them to be joint parties in the payment of close to a million tala owed to the family of Afu Faumuina Tutuila.
The objection from eight matai of Tanugamanono was made during a civil mention in the Supreme Court on Monday.
Represented by lawyer, Su’a Helene Wallwork, she told the Court that the matai have filed a notice of opposition to the application from Tupuola.
Chief Justice His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu is presiding.
Taulapapa Brenda Heather-Latu is the lawyer for the businessman and the former Cabinet Minister.
On Monday, Matafeo George Latu, who appeared on behalf of Taulapapa, asked for an adjournment for re-mention to await Taulapapa’s return from overseas.
Chief Justice Patu then adjourned the matter to 29 March 2016.
Tupuola made the application last year after nine matai who were directly involved in the matter declared themselves bankrupt leaving him to pay for the compensation alone.
The matai and faipule of Tanugamanono were ordered to pay a total of $860,000 for damages to the family of Afu Tutuila.