1. Overview
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (Epeli Nailatikauepeli nailatʃikauFijian; born 5 July 1941 in Suva) is a distinguished Fijian chief, military officer, diplomat, and statesman who served as the President of Fiji from 2009 to 2015. Often referred to as Na Turaga Mai Naisogolaca, his extensive career has spanned over two decades in the military, followed by significant roles in the diplomatic service and various high-level government positions. He held the esteemed position of Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006, and later served as the Vice-President before assuming the presidency. Following his presidential term, he was elected Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji in 2019, demonstrating his enduring commitment to Fiji's governance and democratic institutions. Nailatikau is also widely recognized for his prominent role as a UNAIDS special representative, advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness and public health in the Pacific region.
2. Early Life and Education
Born on 5 July 1941 in Suva, Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau hails from a family deeply rooted in Fiji's politically powerful chieftaincy. His chiefly lineage is significant, as he is a great-great-grandson of Seru Epenisa Cakobau, who was the first monarch to unify the Fijian kingdom and ceded the Fiji Islands to the United Kingdom in 1874. He is also a grandson of King George Tupou II of Tonga. His father, Ratu Edward Cakobau, commanded the Fijian Battalion during World War II.
Nailatikau's early education took place at several Fijian institutions, including Bau District School, Draiba Fijian School, Levuka Public School, and Queen Victoria School. Following his foundational education, he pursued military training in New Zealand, which prepared him for a distinguished career in the armed forces.
3. Military Career
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau dedicated two decades of his life to service in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. In 1966, he was seconded to the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, and was subsequently posted to Sarawak, Malaysia, where he served during Indonesia's "Konfrontasi" against Malaysia. He was highly regarded as a popular and respected officer during his service.
Upon his return to the Fiji Infantry Regiment, he steadily ascended through the ranks, demonstrating strong leadership and dedication. By 1987, he had achieved the rank of Brigadier-General and was serving as the Commander of the Royal Fiji Military Forces. However, his tenure as commander was abruptly interrupted when, while on a visit to Australia, he was deposed from his position. This occurred during the 1987 Fijian coups d'état, when the third-ranked officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka, staged the first of two coups and seized power, marking a significant turning point in Fiji's political landscape.
4. Diplomatic Career
Following his military career, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau transitioned into the diplomatic service, embarking on a new chapter that spanned 17 years. He further honed his skills by completing the Foreign Service Course at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
His diplomatic appointments were extensive and impactful. He was appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, where he also served as Fiji's accredited ambassador to several European and Middle Eastern nations, including Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Israel, and the Holy See. Later, he served as Fiji's roving ambassador and high commissioner to the member states of the South Pacific Forum, playing a crucial role in regional diplomacy. In 1999, he assumed the position of Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, further solidifying his influence in Fiji's international relations.
5. Political Career
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's political career has been marked by significant involvement in Fijian governance, spanning various high-profile positions that have influenced the nation's democratic development and social progress. His journey through the political landscape includes roles in the aftermath of coups, leadership in the legislature, and ultimately, the highest office as head of state.
5.1. Early Political Participation
In the wake of the 2000 Fijian coup d'état, an event that Ratu Epeli Nailatikau strongly opposed, he was nominated for the position of Prime Minister with the aim of helping to restore Fiji's fractured institutions. However, he ultimately withdrew his nomination in favor of Laisenia Qarase, who was perceived as a more consensus-oriented candidate. Despite this, Nailatikau played a crucial role in the interim Cabinet, serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Fijian Affairs. He was initially appointed Deputy Prime Minister in August 2000 and was re-appointed to the position in 2001, serving until September 2001.
5.2. Speaker of the House of Representatives
In 2001, following the restoration of democracy through a general election, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. He secured the position by defeating Joeli Kalou with a vote of 41 to 29. As Speaker, he presided over parliamentary sessions and held significant responsibilities, including serving as the chairman of both the Parliamentary Appropriations Committee and the House Committee. He held this influential position until after the 2006 elections.
5.3. Interim Government Positions
Following the 2006 Fijian coup d'état on 5 December 2006, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was sworn into the new interim government led by interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama on 8 January 2007. Initially, he served as the interim Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
His portfolio expanded and shifted over time within the interim administration. On 23 September 2008, he was moved to the post of Minister for Provincial Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, effective 5 October 2008, with Bainimarama assuming his previous foreign affairs duties. This change was attributed to Nailatikau's "extensive knowledge and hands-on experience on the workings of the Civil Service, Governments role in rural development and the sources of assistances available to facilitate such development," along with his "excellent public relations appeal." In October 2008, he also became Indigenous Affairs Minister and effectively the Chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs. Furthermore, on 25 September 2007, he was appointed acting prime minister while interim Prime Minister Bainimarama was away in New York.
5.4. Vice-President of Fiji
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's path to the vice-presidency was marked by a period of political contention. On 10 April 2007, he was nominated to become the new Vice-President by the then-President Josefa Iloilo. However, this nomination was subsequently rejected by the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC). Despite this initial rejection, the political landscape shifted significantly. On 17 April 2009, following a period of constitutional crisis in Fiji, Ratu Epeli was formally appointed Vice-President.
5.5. President of Fiji
On 30 July 2009, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau assumed the role of acting president following the retirement of the 88-year-old President Josefa Iloilo. Under the 1997 constitution, which Iloilo had abrogated, the president was typically appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs (which was effectively abolished by the military-backed regime). However, the interim government announced that a new president would be appointed by the cabinet. On 5 November 2009, Nailatikau was formally sworn in as the President of Fiji, a position he held until 12 November 2015. He was succeeded by George Konrote in October 2015.
5.6. Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji
After his tenure as President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau returned to a prominent legislative role. On 11 February 2019, he was appointed the new Speaker of the Fijian Parliament. He secured this position by winning 30 votes against 21 for the Opposition nominee, Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika, reaffirming his continued influence in Fiji's political sphere.
6. Anti-AIDS Campaigner
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has been a vocal and influential advocate in the fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly in the Pacific region. On 14 June 2005, he was appointed the UNAIDS special representative for the Pacific. His selection for this crucial role was attributed to his political standing, the widespread respect he commanded across the Pacific, and his outspoken commitment to addressing AIDS-related issues.
Prior to this appointment, he had already served as a UNAIDS Pacific spokesman. In October 2004, he chaired the first conference of Pacific Parliamentarians on the Role of Pacific Parliamentarians in the fight against HIV/AIDS, held in Suva. Nailatikau's candid calls to confront the AIDS crisis have sometimes generated controversy. On 22 November 2005, he urged people to acknowledge the reality of promiscuity and emphasized the necessity of promoting safe sex practices to combat the associated AIDS risk. He argued that it was unrealistic and dangerous to deny promiscuity and solely advocate for abstinence, considering it a matter of life and death. He also challenged religious institutions to acknowledge the existence of promiscuity within their own congregations and to actively promote the use of condoms as a vital part of addressing the problem "head on." He represented the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at the World AIDS Conference in Toronto in August 2006, further extending his advocacy on the global stage.
7. Personal Life
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau holds the traditional title of Ratu, signifying his status as a chief by birth. This chiefly lineage traces through his paternal side, and his maternal grandmother was a granddaughter of Seru Cakobau, the influential Fijian chief. He is the second son of Ratu Edward Cakobau, who notably commanded the Fijian Battalion during World War II. His family connections extend to the Tongan royal family, as he is also a grandson of King George Tupou II of Tonga. His father was born from a relationship between King George Tupou II and Litia Cakobau, who had been sent to Tonga as a trial bride to the King, though this union was later repudiated as they could not marry under the normal Tongan constitution.
In 1981, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau married Adi Koila Mara, the second daughter of modern Fiji's former prime minister and president, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. Adi Koila Mara has also had a distinguished political career, serving as a Member of Parliament, a Cabinet minister, and a Senator, mirroring her husband's dedication to public service. Together, they have two children: a son named Kamisese Vuna, who was named after Adi Koila's father, and a daughter named Litia Cakobau.
8. Honours and Awards
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has received numerous national and international honours and decorations throughout his distinguished career, recognizing his contributions to military service, diplomacy, and public life.
8.1. National honours
- Fiji:
Companions of the Order of Fiji (CF) 
Meritorious Service Decoration (MSD)
8.2. Foreign honours
- Tonga:
Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Tonga (31 July 2008)
- United Kingdom:
Honorary Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) 
Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 
Knight of the Most Venerable Order of Saint John (KStJ)