Former Minister of Justice and Courts Administration Faaolesa Katopau Ainu’u has passed away at the age of 62.

Faaolesa, who served as justice minister from 2016 to 2021, passed away on Saturday evening. His youngest sister, Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari, confirmed his passing to the Samoa Observer on Sunday afternoon.

“It was a shock to the family,” Maiava said, adding that the family are asking for time to gather and grieve.

A lawyer and politician, Faaolesa represented the Vaimauga No. 4 constituency in parliament. He was a member of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) during his time in government and lost his seat in the 2021 general election.

In 2025, he founded the Samoa Labour Party and served as its president. He also contested the Vaimauga No. 4 seat in the 2025 election.

Faaolesa was born in 1963 and was to turn 63 in November. 

Further details, including funeral arrangements, are likely to  be made known later.