Lotofaga high chiefs on Saturday morning accepted a traditional ifoga performed by the district of Falealili, who sought forgiveness following a killing on Sunday 6 March at Tafatafa.  

The ifoga in the Samoan culture is a public act of self-humiliation — accompanied by the gifting of ‘ie toga or fine mats, speeches of contrition and food — made as a form of apology by one group for the conduct of one of its members to the offended group.

The traditional ifoga on Saturday morning was live-streamed by the Talamua media.

The high chiefs from Falealili were joined by church ministers, women and untitled men in performing the traditional ifoga in front of the high chiefs of Lotofaga. 

The traditional ceremony commenced as soon as the High Chiefess of Lotofaga, who is also the Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa arrived at the meeting place. 

As the chiefs from Lotofaga were seated inside the house, the matai from Falealili as well as the church ministers from the village of Tafatafa gathered, just outside the house, with the matai all covered with a Samoan fine mat.

The matai from Lotofaga immediately walked outside, towards where the matai from Falealili were seated and removed the fine mat as a sign that Lotofaga has accepted their plea. 

They were then invited inside the meeting House for the formalities to start. 

Leapagatele Eteuati spoke on behalf of the Falealili district, to formally seek the forgiveness of the elders of Lotofaga and noted their sincere gratitude for accepting their apology. 

"A son of yours (Lotofaga) has been killed and injured," Leapagatele said. "But we express our sincere gratitude for accepting a criminal's plea. 

"In times such as this, the story of the Crucifixion of our Christ comes to mind; when Jesus was on the cross and the criminal next to him pleaded with him to remember him when he go into your Kingdom. 

"That's exactly how we feel today. 

"We beg for your forgiveness. I know these kind of mornings are not easy and causes uncertainties, but we thank you all for accepting our plea."

Accorting to Talamua, Sitagata Tuatagaloa, a high chief from Lotofaga, spoke on behalf of the Sa'o Fa'apito Fiame, and matai from Lotofaga, to "acknowledged the apology and briefly touched on the incident which he said was somewhat provoked by their young men."

Traditional presentations of fine mats and monetary donations were made by Falealili for the High Chiefess, matai and the village of Lotofaga, as a token of their appreciation for accepting their ifoga. 

"Samoa is no longer living in dark times," Sitagata said. "All is forgiven and we thank you the sincere gestures and showcasing respect for this village. 

"We hope that this will be a great lessons for all our children so we will not have to go through something similar to this incident ever again."

Plans to have a traditional ifoga for the incident were first confirmed by the Tafatafa's village mayor, Taito Tumau Peni, in an interview with the Samoa Observer last Wednesday.

Taito said the significance of the ifoga is that it is not only part of Samoa’s traditions, but is also an act of apology seeking forgiveness from those who have been affected.

Last week, Deputy Police Commissioner, Aua'apaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed that police have charged a 51-year-old man from Tafatafa with murder after a machete attack, which claimed the life of a young man from Lotofaga with two other men seriously injured.

According to reports, a group of men were consuming alcohol last Sunday near a beach in Tafatafa, and were walking through an inland road when the fatal incident occurred, which led to the death of the young man. There are allegations that they disturbed residents as they were making their way towards the main road.

The deceased, who is from Lotofaga, was attacked which led to him fleeing and seeking refuge at a pastor’s house. However, he eventually passed away. 

Two other men were injured and hospitalised. One man was not able to move while the other one ran towards the main road to seek help.

Auapaau also told this newspaper last Wednesday that one of the two men who was hospitalised was released.

He said the individuals who were injured were under the influence of alcohol while the murder suspect was not intoxicated.