Lasakau Sea Warriors - Power Struggles

Power Struggles

Tuisavura I the chief of the Mataqalikira sub-clan of Nabou, Lasakau had three sons- Rabonu also titled Kolivisawaqa I, Tutekovuya and Tuisavura II aka Gavidi. In 1832 Ratu Cakobau’s half brother Ratu Tubuanakoro vasu to Gau was killed by rebels on Bau who were against his Father Tanoa's rule. Due to this power struggle, Kolivisawaqa I was also disposed of by his half brother Tutekovuya or the 'Burner of Vuya'. Koli's mother, Adi Kataoqo and Tubuanakoro's mother, Adi Vereivalu were from the Takala- i- Gau clan, of Sawaike, Gau. The Sawaike clan also originated from Lasakau. Ratu Tubuanakoro and Koli as vasu with their army of Lasakau marauders had great authority over Gau island and the Lomaiviti group of islands as a whole. As Vunivalu Tanoa Visawaqa's trusted warrior this may have led to Koli's demise at the hands of rebels including his half brother Tutekovuya, the vasu-i- Tamavua Naitasiri. Ratu Nalila and his father Maibole of the Tunidaunibau sub-clan of Nabou then disposed of Tutekovuya. Gavidi and Tutekovuya were co-conspirators with Ratu Seru Cakobau’s in the coup of 1837, where Bau was destroyed and Ratu Tanoa restored as the Vunivalu. The support of the Roko Tui Dreketi to Lasakau was crucial in the success of this coup in which Tanoa the vasu to Rewa was re-installed though Cakobau was the power behind the throne. Later Ratu Gavidi then disposed of Nalila in revenge of Tute his half brother's death. Nalila from the Tunidau sub-clan was contending ascendency with Gavidi of the Mataqaliira sub-clan among the Lasakau people. The phrase Verevakabau became synonymous with Bauan politics and the ongoing struggle for power. Through the successful coup of 1837 the name Ca ko Bau (Destroyer of Bau) was conferred upon Ratu Seru and Ga(sau)vidi upon Tuisavura II. Many recorded contacts in the 1830s and 1840s such as with Commodore Charles Wilkes, Captain John Erskine and Reverend Calvert, place Lasakau chief Gavidi as Cakobau's leading enforcer. In 1849 Captain Erskine of H.B.M. ship Havannah wrote," The town or city of Bau seems to consist of three divisions :viz; Soso, Bau, Lasakau; the latter meaning the fishermen, of whom Gavidi is chief, being next in importance to Thakombau, and his great friend."(Waterhouse :1866:159)

Ratu Gavidi was later killed in battle at Verata in 1850. In an account of his death Rev Waterhouse revealed, " Two things are quite certain: first, that Cakobau was unusually anxious during the attack, and his mind seemed to be occupied with something else rather than with the battle; and, second, that as soon as Gavidi was killed, the signal was given for general retreat, after which the attack was not repeated"(1866:179). Another account stated that it was witnessed that Cakobau's "anxiety was high" as the Lasakau chief forayed too deep into the Veratan battle lines and "was shot in the back". His death so demoralized the Bauan army that they withdrew from the battlefield. His body was taken back to Lasakau and buried in Nadrukuta-his home which was built to honour his mother Adi Vuniwaqa the daughter of the Roko Tui Bau.