A family member says Faamausili was officially declared the next Malietoa in an 'ava ceremony held at Sapapalii village on Savaii Island on Tuesday, but the day for the traditional royal ceremony for the bestowal is yet to be finalised.
RNZI reports there has been ten years of debate over who should assume the Malietoa title following the death of Malietoa Tanumafili II.
The three family branches Malietoa Talavou, Malietoa Natuitasina and Malietoa Moli, became involved in a legal battle after Faamausili Moli was initially given the title in 2007 as he lacked full backing.
