A chief who fought nail and tooth for the rights of the indigenous people to be recognised and respected was laid to rest in Lautoka yesterday.

Momo na Tui Vitogo Ratu Wiliame Ratudale Sovasova died at his traditional home in Sukanacagi, Vitogo, after battling an illness in the past eight months.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, in delivering the eulogy on behalf of the Government, reminded the people of the Ba province to live the life their chief had lived – a life of service, dedication, love and fortitude.

The PM said Ratu Wiliame followed well the teachings of many iTaukei chiefs who cared for people irrespective of their religious or racial status.

Mr Rabuka informed more than 500 people who were part of the funeral service that the late chief ensured those who requested for food were fed, those who asked for a piece of land were offered something and those who asked to fish from his traditional qoliqoli were allowed to do so.

The Prime Minister said such was the life many iTaukei chiefs in the past had lived by and the very life that allowed the Great Council of Chiefs to prosper because chiefs worked together to attend to the needs of those around them.

Mr Rabuka said the late chief was a person who gave attended to people irrespective of race and he continued what many late chiefs had done from before, ensuring those around him were treated equally and given a fair share of what they needed.

Mr Rabuka also urged the people of the Ba province in a moving eulogy to live by their late chief’s exemplary life and heed to the call of those around them.

Traditional warriors guarded the casket as it exited his traditional home of Sukanacagi amid the drizzling rain and wet weather for the last time.

The soggy condition failed to deter the hearts of villagers and loved ones who converged on Vitogo Village to farewell their chief.

Ratu Wiliame is survived by his wife Adi Litiana, children and grandchildren.