The former Chief Justice of Samoa, His Honour, Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Maka Sapolu passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, 28 November 2021. 

His sister Luamanuvae Katalaina Sapolu confirmed the passing of Patu at the age of 71.

Born 22 July 1950, the former Chief Justice suffered from a terminal illness, she added. 

Patu left for New Zealand in September with his wife for medical treatment and had recently returned on island. 

A high chief from the village of Vaiala, he is survived by his wife Tuitama Iliganoa Sapolu and three children. 

The longest serving Chief Justice of Samoa, he ended his 26 years on the bench in April 2019. 

Patu was named one of the People of the Year by the Samoa Observer newspaper in 2019 for his contribution to and years of service in the judiciary.

He attended the Marist Boys School at Mulivai and was the dux in 1964 and went on to the St. Joseph’s College, where he was also the top student of the year in 1968. 

Patu then secured a Government scholarship to study law at the Otago University in 1970. The following year, he transferred to the Auckland University where he attained his Bachelor of Law in 1972 and graduated two years later with his Master’s degree.

In 1976 he worked at the Attorney General’s office in Samoa and six years later was called to serve as a temporary magistrate.

In 1982 he was appointed the Court Registrar for the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration and subsequently set up a private firm the following year. 

Patu worked as a legal officer at the Attorney General’s Office until his appointment in 1984 as the Attorney General up to 1992 when he was called to head the judiciary.

During his term as the Chief Justice, he saw the construction of the Court House, which was seen as a historical development in the administration of justice in Samoa.

Under his watch as Chief Justice, there was an extension of the retirement age for judges of the Supreme Court from 62 to 68 years and he also oversaw the establishment of specialist courts: Family Court, Family Violence Court, the Alcohol and Drugs Court and the Coroners Court.