George-Alexander Constantinou has been installed as the new holder of the Tulaniu-o-Atua chiefly title from the village of Lepa, succeeding his father, the late Sir Kostas Constantinou who previously held the same title.

The special ceremony, held at the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) hall in Lepa on Saturday not only celebrated the ascension of a new chief but also paid tribute to the esteemed Sir Kostas G. Constantinou, who had held the title until his passing on the same week in 2023.

The Tulaniu-o-Atua title, originally conferred upon Sir Kostas by the village of Lepa in 2018, carries deep cultural and historical significance within Samoa, derived from the salutations for paramount titles Auelua and Fatialofa. 

Paramount Chief Auelua Samuelu Enari presided over the intricate ceremony and presented the new title holder to the village of Lepa.

The ceremony was attended by high chiefs, orators, and esteemed guests from Samoa and beyond and veteran MP and former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, spoke on behalf of the village chiefs and orators to impart blessings upon the new holder of the title. 

He declared that from now on, he shall now be known as Tulaniu-o-Atua II. 

He also encouraged Tulaniu-o-Atua II to emulate his father’s example. "You are to carry on his legacy; a legacy rooted in service," Tuilaepa emphasised. 

Recognising the late Sir Kostas Constantinou's significant contributions to Samoa and the wider region through his business ventures, which have not only provided employment opportunities but also bolstered the economies of respective countries, Tuilaepa deemed it appropriate to speak on behalf of all chiefs and orators from Lepa. 

He welcomed the new chief to Lepa formally underscoring his role not only as the elected representative of Lepa in Parliament and former Prime Minister for over two decades but also as a distinguished Honorary Chief in Papua New Guinea.

Tuilaepa highlighted that he represented all Papua New Guineans who couldn't attend the momentous occasion as the Government of Papua New Guinea honoured Tuilaepa in 2015 with the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL) and bestowed upon him the title of "Chief" during his tenure as Samoa's Prime Minister.

Reflecting on his acceptance of the title, Tulaniu-o-Atua II expressed profound gratitude and humility, particularly moved by the timing coinciding with the anniversary of his father's passing. 

"It’s a special moment for me," he shared with the Samoa Observer.

"This means a lot for me, especially since this week marks one year since my father passed away, and today I have been formally accepted into the village of Lepa and honoured with the chiefly title that my father proudly held for many years. It's an incredibly special moment, and I'm grateful to have my family’s support and the blessings of the village of Lepa. I feel deeply humbled and thankful.”

The new chief from Lepa expressed happiness knowing he will always have a home in Samoa whenever he visits, a prospect that will become more frequent due to his commitments such as board meetings and family holidays. He emphasised his intention to visit his village of Lepa more often.

Reflecting on his unexpected journey to becoming a chiefly titleholder, Tulaniu-o-Atua II remarked, “Receiving a chiefly title from Samoa was never something I anticipated while growing up. However, when they announced it at my father's memorial service, I accepted it without hesitation. Today’s ceremony, and the warm welcome from the people of Lepa, have been profoundly humbling and an immense honor.”

He pledged to continue his father’s legacy of service to both the village and the country. The 42-year-old journeyed to Samoa accompanied by his family for the ceremony bestowing upon him the matai title. In April of this year, he obtained citizenship in Papua New Guinea.