Plan to appeal Malietoa ruling in Samoa

There are plans for an appeal after the latest court ruling over who has the right to hold the high Samoan paramount title of Malietoa.

In December, Samoa's Land and Titles court ruled in favour of the title going to Papalii Faamausili Moli, the son of the late head of state, susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II.

Our correspondent Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia said it has now been a decade since the death of the last holder of the title because the family remain divided on who should inherit it.

Autagavaia said Papalii Faamausili Moli Malietoa was humbled and pleased at the latest court ruling, but it did not look like the end of the matter.

"I heard they are going to file an appeal, but the court, the lower court, has ordered for the family to perform the traditional saufa'i, the traditional bestowal of the title."

 

 

Photo caption: Papalii Faamausili Moli Malietoa - in the middle with the tie