On Saturday, Ro Veidovi Logavatu, the former chief of Rewa, will return to his homeland after 185 years following his conviction for crimes against humanity and subsequent deportation to the United States. His remains, notably his skull preserved by the Smithsonian Institute, are set to be flown from Washington D.C. to Nausori Airport before being taken to Lomanikoro and the burial grounds of Narusa. Traditional ceremonies, including a church service, will precede his interment.
Logavatu’s return holds profound significance for both his descendants and the wider Rewa community. Accompanying the repatriation will be Fiji’s Ambassador to the United States, Ratu Ilisoni Vuidreketi.
Veidovi’s legal troubles date back to 1840 when he was arrested for the murder of ten beche de mer traders on Kadavu. His arrest was facilitated by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes from the United States Exploring Expedition, who detained the Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Kania, and his family to ensure Veidovi’s capture. After being convicted, Veidovi was sent to the U.S., where he tragically died just months later in 1842.
The historical implications of Veidovi’s conviction remain a point of contention among scholars. Some consider him a scapegoat in the early stages of the United States’ imperial pursuits, while others view him as a symbol of resilience, embodying a complex legacy interwoven with Fiji’s history.
Ro Teimumu Kepa, the current Roko Tui Dreketi, will be present to witness this significant homecoming, which concludes a long journey for Veidovi. This moment serves as a powerful opportunity for reconciliation and remembrance, allowing the community to honor a pivotal figure in their history and reaffirm the cultural connections that continue to bind them.