The village of Leulumoega welcomed fifteen new matai titleholders yesterday.

Members of the Salevagogo family were bestowed with the Tupuola, Levaogogo, Pasese, Levao and Fagafua titles. Six were were conferred the Tupuola title, six received the Fagafua title, one Levaogogo, one Pasese and one Levao.

The new titleholders come from Samoa, United States of America, Australia, New Zealand and America Samoa.

The family’s paramount chief, Tupuola Mulipola Sefo, said the new titleholders were carefully chosen and are worthy of their calling.

He highlighted the critical role played by the chiefly titleholders and reminded that the titles are about serving and loving others.

“A major part in Samoan culture is to love and serve,” Tupuola said. 

“Those who have chosen and have been selected to bear a chiefly title serve and love not only their family but also the village. So no matter where they are from or where they live they are obligated to keep that promise.”