It has been confirmed. The Chairman of the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party and former parliamentarian for Gagaifomauga No.3, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, can now officially use the matai title "La'aulialemalietoa." 

The endorsement was given after a decision by the Tuasivi Court in Savaii on Wednesday.

After La'auli won the by-election in 2020, the issue of his matai title surfaced when he took the oath.

La'auli was told by former Speaker Toleafoa Apulu Fa'afisi not to mention La'aulialemalietoa but just La'auli as signed by the Head of State. This shocked the alii and faipule of Gagaifomauga No.3, who defended the use of the "La'aulialemalietoa" title.

The elders of the constituency have previously clarified that the title "La'aulialemalietoa" is an inheritance (igagato) that was gifted to them during a meeting with the Aiga Sa Malietoa (Malietoa family) at Malie and Vaito'elau.

These elders believe that this was the story passed on to them by their ancestors at a time when they voyaged in canoes.

A court registrar of the Land and Titles Court confirmed that the decision by the Tuasivi Court to endorse the La'aulialemalietoa title was delivered on Wednesday in Savaii.

When Samoa Observer approached La'aulialemalietoa on Thursday, he refused to comment.

"I have made my decision not to respond to any of your questions again," La'aulialemalietoa said.

"You have been twisting what I've said, like when that girl came for an interview, I would never respond to any of the questions from you (Samoa Observer)," he said.