The Maota o Tanumafili le Tolotolo at Afega was a place of thanksgiving yesterday. 

It was where members of the family of Savea Leulua’iali’i Tuivaiese II, were joined by village leaders to give thanks to God Almighty following the registration in Court of the paramount chiefly title, Gatoaitele. 

The title was conferred on Savea Sano Malifa, Editor-in-Chief of the Samoa Observer in June 2014, and following certain legal proceedings, it was registered in the Land and Titles Court on 8 April 2016.

Today, Savea is the legal holder of the Gato'aitele title and hence the celebrations yesterday.

Reverend Luapene Nepo, of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Afega, congratulated the titleholder and reminded the family about the faithfulness of God.

He reminded that there would be times when people’s faith would be shaken, and they'd begin to doubt God wondering if He would come through on his promises, but then God would not lie.

 “This is what we have all been waiting for,” he said. “The family has been through so much but God has revealed the truth and so we must celebrate and give Him all the glory and the praise for He has revealed the truth.”

Rev. Nepo urged the leadership of the village of Afega to support the Gatoa’itele title rightful holder. 

Said he: “May the legal holder of the Gatoaitele title achieve peace and unity in the village of Afega, and may the Lord’s love be upon him and his Masiofo.”

On behalf of the family, Leulua’iali’i Tasi Malifa said the occasion was an opportunity to recuperate and thank God for his guidance, during a time when the family had been through so much turmoil and uncertainty.

He explained that there had been certain proceedings in the Land and Titles Court that dealt with certain matters, which eventually led  to the way being cleared for Gatoaitele Savea to hold the title and serve his family and village.