A state funeral will be held to honour the life and service of Samoa's longest-serving Chief Justice, Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Maka Sapolu, who passed away over a week ago. 

In announcing the decision, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said that while there was never a Cabinet Directive on matters such as what the Government can offer should a senior member in Samoa's judiciary passes on, her Cabinet has agreed to host a state funeral for the former Chief Justice. 

"Although he was no longer the Head of Samoa's Judiciary when he passed away, we cannot ignore the fact that he had served this country through the position, as the Chief Justice for so many years," said Fiame. 

"Therefore, we have discussed in Cabinet and agreed that we will offer our respect and pay tribute to his service to his country by allowing our police officers as escorts and offering the usual traditional practices offered by the government for funerals of those who were well respected and held top positions in government. 

"The government will also deliver a eulogy to acknowledge his service to this nation, but we will wait for the programme from the family. 

"Patu headed one of the three pillars of government and had achieved many milestones during his time."

Fiame also used the opportunity to pay homage to Patu's service to the people of Samoa, and also expressed her sincere condolences to Patu's wife, Tuitama Iliganoa Sapolu. 

"I was going to wait to say this at the (final) service, but since you guys asked, I'm just going to use this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to Patu's wife, Iliganoa, his children and his family and friends. 

"Patu dedicated so many years of his life to serve Samoa and its people and that, we must never forget. He was one of the longest-serving jurists we had in Samoa and he held the position of Chief Justice for so many years. 

"We acknowledge his service and we will remember the achievements and the good things he has done for Samoa."

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 to the island. 

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

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

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.