On Saturday, Ro Veidovi Logavatu, the former chief of Rewa, will return home after 185 years since his conviction for crimes against humanity and subsequent deportation to the United States. His remains, specifically his skull preserved by the Smithsonian Institute, will be flown from Washington D.C. to Nausori Airport before making their way to Lomanikoro and the burial grounds of Narusa, where he will be laid to rest following traditional ceremonies, including a church service.
Logavatu’s journey back is significant for his descendants and the people of Rewa. Alongside his remains, Fiji’s Ambassador to the United States, Ratu Ilisoni Vuidreketi, will accompany the repatriation.
Veidovi was arrested and convicted in 1840 after his involvement in the murder of ten beche de mer traders on Kadavu. The arrest was facilitated by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes from the United States Exploring Expedition, who held the Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Kania, and his family hostage to ensure Veidovi’s detainment. After being found guilty, Veidovi was sent to the U.S., where he tragically passed away just months after his arrival in 1842.
Despite the historic controversy surrounding his conviction, which is still debated among scholars, Veidovi’s return symbolizes an important moment for his community. While some view him as a scapegoat in a nascent effort by the United States to assert its imperial ambitions, others believe he is a figure of resilience who represents a complex legacy entwined with Fiji’s past.
The current Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, will be present to witness this historic homecoming, marking the end of a long journey for Veidovi, as Rewa honors one of its own to rest eternally among his people. This return is a moment of reconciliation and remembrance, celebrating both the chief’s legacy and the enduring cultural ties that bind his community.