Falefa


Falefā is located on the north eastern coast of Upolu island in Samoa. It was the ancient capital during the Malo of Tupu Tafa Fonoti after defeating his kin Vaafusuaga Toleafoa and Samalaulu for control of Samoa. King Fonoti chose to rule from his new seat in Falefa, an honour remembered in its faalupega to this day.
Falefa is headed by the descendants of its two founders - Moeono Falealoga and Leutele Leutogatui, the sons of Tui Atua Lemuaiteleloloa and his wife, Leateafaiga.
It is situated in the Anoamaa 1 electoral constituency which itself is situated within the larger ancient political 'district' of Anoamaa, a province of Atua. Atua is headed by the Tui Atua, a title once held by the seer Tui Ātua Leutele in the 10th century, during Samoa's period of antiquity. Since the 17th century, this mantle has been occupied mainly by one of the two Tama-a-aiga of Ātua's Salamasina line: Tupua Tamasese and Mataafa.
Together with the village of Salani, Falefa is home to one of Samoa's main political families, . The family is led by Moeono and Leutele of Falefa and Tofuaiofoia and Fuimaono of Salani, and is the custodian of the Tama-a-Āiga Tupua Tamasese title. Both the Tama-a-āiga Tupua Tamasese and pāpā Tui Atua royal titles are currently held by Samoa's former Prime Minister and Head of State, [Tufuga Efi|His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi].

History and culture

Establishment of Falefa

Falefa is one of the oldest and largest settlements in Samoa, with its traditional borders stretching from Uafato to the East, Saoluafata to the west and Lotofaga on its southern border. Oral tradition and archaeological evidence from the nearby Sasoaa Lapita discovery site in the Falefa valley place the date of settlement in the area to 300B.C.
According to oral tradition, Falefa was founded by the two sons of Tui Atua Lemuaiteleloa and Leateafaiga - Moeono Faleologa & his brother Leutele Leutogitui. Since then, Falefa has been headed by the descendants of these two brothers through the Moeono and Leutele titles.
Leaving their birthplace at Uafato, Fagaloa, they established their first settlement at the top of mountains overlooking Fagaloa Bay and the Falefa valley, called Manuao. The settlement was later moved down to the coast to its present site at the northern edge of the Falefa valley.
The size of Falefa was such that a centralised location was needed to centralize governance. O le Faleupolu o Sagapolu - the administrative centre of Falefa - was created and in which both Leutele and Moeono reside. It is from this site that their successors continue to govern Falefa down to the present day. Other sub-villages followed; Saleapaga followed by Sagapolu, Gagaemalae & Sanonu. Moeono and Leutele bestowed titles on prominent individuals, creating leading Ali titles Alaiasā, Lealaisalanoa and others who in turn, established 'vassal' houses of their own to advise on governance matters, to serve in war and to assist with the upkeep of the great houses in times of peace. These leading chiefs and their vassals continue to assist Moeono and Leutele with the administration of the growing district as part of Falefa's council of chiefs.
The brothers and their respective heirs traveled extensively throughout their domain - from Lemafatele to Sasoaa, to Sauano and Saletele in the Fagaloa bay and the mountains overlooking the valley below where the village of Falefa stands today.

Continued Growth and Establishment of new villages

In later times, portions of Falefa's lands were gifted by Tui Atua Polailevao to form the village of Lufilufi. According to oral tradition, the name was given when a large fish was caught by a young fisherman and under instructions from Tui Atua, was divided up among the high chiefs of Atua. Lufilufi would go on to become the capital of Atua and maintain close kinship links with Falefa.
Other villages were founded and remain under the leadership of Falefa and are known collectively as the Falefitu: Sauano and Saletele in the Fagaloa Bay, Falevao and Lalomauga.
Moeono and Leutele's sister, Sina, lived on the other side of the village near Lufilufi, in the area known as Falefa. This land had been gifted to her.
Fale and his brother Puna traveled from Manono to visit their kin, King Fonoti, seeking food for their blind and gravely ill father. Upon their return to Manono after meeting King Fonoti, they were met with devastating news: their father had already distributed all his matupalapala and mavaega to others. Heartbroken and disappointed, they stopped at Sina's house for food and water. While conversing with her, Sina encouraged them to stay with her, promising to inform their brothers, Moeono and Leutele, of their grief and hardship. Over the years, the two brothers served Sina with loyalty and kindness. Eventually, one brother moved to Savaii and settled there with his family.
Sina later married and gave birth to her first son, whom she named Tialavea. She established her village and named it Fale ma Puna, later shortened to Faleapuna, in honor of the two brothers from Manono who had served her with dedication. Puna was bestowed the title Molioo, with responsibilities that included delivering messages or conveying Sina's wishes to her brothers or elsewhere as needed.
These villages maintain historical ties to Falefa, reflecting centuries of intricate political alliances, inter-marriages and shared heritage.

Salamasina kidnapping plot

Many years earlier, Tui Atua Togiai, the victor of the war of succession, established his residence at Foganiutea in Fagaloa. His grandson, Matautia, lived in Saleaumua in the Aleipata district, where he married Sooae. Before they could have a child, Matautia was assassinated by Leifi and Tautolo. Fearing for her life and that of her unborn child, Sooae fled Atua, leaving her family name, Levalasi, to the Atua branch of her clan. This act marked the founding of one of Samoa's most significant families: the.
Years later, messengers from Lufilufi invited Queen Salamasina and Levalasi to visit their town and district. As one of Salamasina's titles was Tui Atua, she could not decline the invitation, especially as Lufilufi, the capital of Atua, was a strong supporter of her rule. Levalasi welcomed the opportunity to visit, not only to reconnect with her many relatives but also to investigate the murder of her husband.
The following morning, Salamasina and Levalasi departed in a large double canoe and arrived in Saluafata harbor by the afternoon. That evening, the conversation turned to the political situation in Atua. Sooae learned that several Tongan war canoes were docked in Fagaloa. This news piqued her interest, and she resolved to investigate further.
While Salamasina explored the village, Sooae stayed behind to gather information about the Tongans in Lona, Fagaloa. She discovered that Leifi and Tautolo were closely allied with the Tongans, raising her suspicions of impending trouble. Ulualofaiga, the brother of Tui Tonga Faaulufanua and married to a Samoan woman from the Leota family, had lived in Lona for years. When he heard that his niece, Queen Salamasina, was in Lufilufi, he sent orators to invite her to his village. Salamasina accepted and promised to visit the next day.
As they set sail, treacherous seas forced the group to anchor at Musumusu, where they stayed at Foganiutea. During the reception, Sooae informed Salamasina of the Tongans' secretive arrival and urged caution in dealing with them. That evening, two Tongan emissaries visited the Queen, prostrating themselves before her and kissing her feet. They invited her to visit their chief, Ulualo, in Lona, claiming he had urgent news from Tonga.
Salamasina agreed to respond later. Upon further inquiry, she learned that six large Tongan war canoes had been anchored in Lona for weeks, causing dissatisfaction among the villagers due to the strain on resources. Sensing deception, Levalasi devised a plan. She instructed messengers to summon warriors from Lufilufi, Faleapuna, and Falefa to lie in wait behind the bay's western cape. Others were sent to Lepa, Lotofaga, and Salani to approach Lona from the mountains and surround the Tongans at the sound of a conch shell.
The next day, Salamasina and her party traveled to Lona by boat. Upon arrival, they noticed a growing number of Tongans encircling the guesthouse. Inside, Ulualo greeted the Queen and explained that her mother, Vaetoe, was gravely ill and wished to see her. He offered to take her to Tonga aboard the Tongan canoes. Salamasina chastised him for his delay in delivering the news and demanded to see the messenger, but Ulualo claimed the man was hiding in fear.
Meanwhile, Sooae observed the increasing number of Tongans and recognized her enemies, Leifi and Tautolo, among them. Sensing danger, she ordered her attendant to blow the conch shell, signaling the hidden Samoan fleets. The sudden arrival of Samoan war canoes and warriors from the mountains surrounded the Tongan forces, thwarting their plot to abduct the Queen.
Realizing their defeat, Ulualo and his Tongans prostrated themselves before Salamasina. She demanded the immediate departure of all Tongan warriors, warning Ulualo to remain as her hostage. As the Tongans retreated, Leifi and Tautolo fled, their treachery exposed. Leutele, the leader of the Falefa fleet, offered to execute Ulualo, but Salamasina spared his life, cautioning him against future betrayals.
Grateful for her clemency, Ulualo confessed the plot orchestrated by Leifi and Tautolo to abduct Salamasina and install their own candidate as Tui Atua. To atone, Ulualo presented the Queen with a hundred fine mats, including the renowned Lagavaa. He pledged his loyalty to her and vowed to serve her faithfully, ensuring peace and security in Atua.

War and the establishment of Falefa as the seat of King Fonoti

One of the early powerful figures of Samoa was Faumuina le Tupufia of Savaii. A direct descendant of Queen Salamasina's daughter, Fofoaivaoese, he was called "le tupufia" due to having in effect, all the powers of King, although never fully attaining it in title, as Atua had refused to bestow the Tui Atua title when his cousin, Tupuivao, was passed over as Queen Taufau's successor, an act which angered the Atua polities. Despite this, his royal pedigree was undeniable, a fact that would set the stage for one of the great sagas in Samoan history.
Faumuina had three children, two sons and one daughter. The sons were named Fonoti and Vaafusuaga and the daughter was named Samalaulu. They are commonly known in the traditions of Samoa as "The Three of Faumuina." Each child was by a different mother so that after the death of their father they individually contended for the Kingship.
Having waged war successfully for the crown against his kin, Fonoti was proclaimed King in c.1640. He conferred many honours upon those chiefs and Districts that had fought for him and such honours and privileges are remembered and passed down by Samoa's Tulafale in customary salutations down to the present day.
For contending with the Manono, Sapapalii and Saleaumua naval forces and securing his victory at sea, the leaders of Faleapuna and Fagaloa were granted a district of their own called Vaa-o-Fonoti. For leading Fonoti's land forces and securing victory on land, Falefa was designated the salutation of Aai o Fonoti or Aai o le Tupu. Falefa continued as the administrative centre of Fonoti, Muagututia and Tupua's respective malo until the time of Fonoti's grandson, King Afoa, who chose to rule from Lufilufi, the centre of Ātua.
These honors are reflected to this day in the Fa.

Aiga Sā Fenunuivao and their , Tupua (later known as 'Tupua Tamasese')

Historical Background
The pāpā titles confer upon individual holders authority over designated territory or, in the case of a Tafaifā status as King or Queen of all Samoa. However, these titles are usually contested exclusively among Samoa's royal lineages, each with a paramount title holder and a titular figure in whom the mana of the family is represented. These are called tama-a-.
Sa Tupua and Sa Malietoa are the two principal royal lineages from whom many other high titles draw legitimacy and prestige. The older Sa Malietoa family dates back to the 13th century during the Tongan period and comprises Malietoa and his descendants. Sa Tupua came to the fore when it's titular ancestor, Queen Salamasina rose to power. The family is made up of her descendants and is headed by Tupua Tamasese.
Tupua Tamasese is the tama of the Sā Tupua, the descendants of Salamasina and comprises several notable families and lineages such as Sā Fenunuivao, Sā Levalasi, Aiga o Mavaega and others. Among these families, Sā Fenunuivao is the primary political family of Falefa and Salani and holds overall custodianship and authority over the Tupua Tamasese title.
Fuiavailili: The first Tupua
King Muagututia, son of King Fonoti, married Fenunuivao, daughter of Leutele of Falefa. Because they had no children of their own, they adopted Fenunuivao's nephew Fuiavailili, from Salani, as their son and heir. Upon his arrival in Falefa, he was given the name 'Tupua' and was thereafter known as Tupua Fuiavailili, the first Tama-a-āiga.
As the child was now the sole heir to King Muagututia, the powerful orator groups of Pule and Tumua performed their customary right of saesae laufai enquiring as to whether he possessed the necessary genealogical links in order to be worthy of tafaifa honours. Thus it was revealed that Fuiavailili's biological father was Fuimaono, and biological mother Sailau, descendants of Fanene and direct descendants of Queen Salamasina's son and second child, Tapumanaia.
King Muagututia himself was descended from Queen Salamāsina's eldest child, Fofoaivaoese. Thus it was that Tupua Fuiavailili, through both ancestral lines, was the first ruler of Samoa to have inherited from both of Queen Salamāsina's children, re-uniting the Salamasina lineages through his ancestor, Tapumanaia, Salamāsina's husband, and Muagututia's ancestor Fofoaivaoese, Salamasina's daughter from a previous relationship with Alapepe,. Having satisfied the requirements of having direct lineage to Salamāsina and demonstrable link to both lineages and prominent families, Tupua Fuiavailili's royal pedigree was affirmed by the orators of Lufilufi and Leulumoega and was proclaimed the first Tama a, succeeding Muagututia to becoming King of Samoa.

The Aloalii: Luafalemana.

From his four usuga, King Tupua Fuiavailili had five children. Two went on to become King, while the third went on to becoming one of the ancestors of Atua's other tama-a-āiga title: Mataafa. The beginnings of the tama-a-āiga Mataafa lineage is traced through to Luafalemana, son of King Tupua Fuiavailili. This was enabled through the union of Luafalemana's daughter, Salainaoloa of Aiga Sā Fenunuivao with Tuimavave of Aiga Sā Levālasi, issuing one of the progenitors of the Matāafa title, Faasuamaleaui, in 1785. Tuimavave's other union with Letelesa issued another progenitor of the title, Silupevailei. These two lines of Faasuamaleaui and Silupevailei are from whom all Mataafa are selected. Family traditions differ on who was the first Mataafa, but the majority of opinion favours Tafagamanu, grandson of Faasuamaleaui. Tuimavave's union with Tupua's granddaughter, Salainaoloa, has resulted in the Luafalemana title's association with both the Tupua Tamasese and the Matāafa titles. Several Matāafa holders from Falefa also held the Tupua title concurrently, like Mataafa Iosefo who became known as Tupua Matāafa Iosefo. By joining the daughter of Luafalemana with Tuimavave, the Tui Atua line arrives at a harmonious junction between the two great Tama-a-āiga families of Atua - Aiga Sā Levālasi and Aiga Sā Fenunuivao.
The Tupua Tamasese is selected from these three lines of descent:
  • Luafalemana of Falefā, From Tupua's first marriage to Punipuao, daughter of Alaiasa. Ancestor of the Mataafa Iosefo tama-a-āiga through his daughter Salainaoloa, who married Tuimavave of the Aiga Sā Levalasi and sired the elder Mataafa line of Faasuamaleaui.
  • Afoa of Palauli. Succeeded his father to become King and ruled from Lufilufi. Defeated in single combat by his brother, Galumalemana. Later named Afoafouvale, after his defeat.
  • Galumalemana of Saleimoa. Succeeded his brother Afoa as King by defeating him at Maauga, Leulumoega. The current line of Tupua are from this line of descent and it was from among his descendants - Tamasese Titimaea - that Tamasese became part of the title, hence Tupua Tamasese
Collectively, these titles are known as Aloali. The establishment of the institution of aloalii ensured the continuation of the Tupua's political influence through his descendants and to maintain in perpetuam the genealogical linkages between the first Tupu Tafaifa, Queen Salamasina and later Tupu Tafaifa, King Fonoti, from whom later rulers would draw legitimacy.

Politics and governance

Falefa means the 'House of Four', indicative of the four sub-villages which make up the main components of Falefa; Sagogu, Gagaemalae, Saleapaga, Sagapolu. Each of these sub villages comprises families and clans, the heads of which, represent their extended families and their respective area at Falefa's council of chiefs, headed by the Moeono and Leutele. Falefa is administered and governed by Leutele, Lealaisalanoa, Alaiasā as the Alii of Falefa and by both Matua Moeono and Iuli. Leutele is the ranking alii of the village and Moeono is the ranking tulafale-alii. Lealaisalanoa is the second ranking alii with Alaiasā the third. Iuli is the tulafale-alii of Lealaisalanoa and is the other matua of Falefa. Leutele is addressed as Tinā o Tupua, honoring the first Tupua's mother Fenunuivao and maternal Grandfather, Leutele. Moeono is customarily addressed as "le tamā o le nuu".
The establishment of Moeono and Leutele titles predate the Tongan period, as the primordial holders were the sons of Tui Atua Muaiteleloa and founders of Falefa somewhere between 300B.C - 200 A.D.

The Village Fono: Falefā, Falelima and the Falefitu

The scale of the meeting varies depending on the situation. The most common meetings comprise only the four sub-villages of Falefa: Sagapolu, Saleapaga, Gagaemalae and Sanonu. The range of participants define the three types of meetings. In this context, the word fale means sub-village.
The regular weekly meeting of Falefa's council of chiefs is attended only by the matai from the four sub-villages of Falefa. A fono falelima is a meeting with the four sub-villages of Falefa and the village of Falevao. The convocation of a special meeting of all the villages that are part of Falefa's traditional domain, which includes the four sub-villages of Falefa, Falevao and the two villages of Sauano and Saletele in the Fagaloa Bay is called only on matters of grave importance and is decided by 'Moeono and Leutele as well as the leading chiefs of the falefitu.

Selection of Falefa's two senior leaders: Leutele and Moeono

Upon the death of a Moeono or Leutele, the district goes into an extended period of mourning and kicks off the procession of cultural protocol and rituals that follows. The funeral rites of the Leutele, Moeono, Iuli and Lealaisalanoa commence with the Lagi which is received by the Moeono.
During this sede vacante period, the administration of Falefa is then passed to Iuli, Lealaisalanoa, Alaiasā and Falefa's other matai until a Moeono or Leutele is appointed.
At the appointed time when an heir has been chosen, the proceedings of the saofai stipulate that only the two bearers of the titles of the two brothers - Moeono and Leutele - are part of this sacred ritual. Only once it has been completed with the completion of the ava ceremony and the title bestowed will the rest of the village chiefs be invited in to the residence to join them, a process led by Iuli. The ceremony is guarded by Tupua ma le Aumaga.
The two titles have enjoyed a long tradition of only ever having a single holder of the respective titles at any given time, a practice only recently changed with the appointment of multiple concurrent Leutele title holders. The late Moeono Leateafaiga Atoafuaiupolu Penitito Alaiasa is the most recent holder of the Moeono title, which he held until his passing in 2018.
Both titles remained vacant from 2018, pending appointment of the new holders by the respective heirs. On 1 December 2024, two heirs were named to become joint holders of the Leutele title: Leutele Niava Mataomaile Tuatagaloa and Leutele Malota Faleupolu. Leutele Niava Mataomaile Tuatagaloa is a Justice of the Supreme Court of Samoa and the first woman appointed hold the Leutele title. This was also the first saofai of a Leutele without an incumbent Moeono to participate in the ancient ritual where the descendant of one brother presided over the ascension of the other. The ceremony was presided over by Iuli and Lealaisalanoa and attended by the tama of Aiga Sa Fenunuivao, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi.

Folklore

Lautivunia: The Tui Tonga and Tui Atua Leuteleleiite

The Tui Tonga had two sons. The elder was named Tuitonga after his father, the younger, Lautivunia. Lautivunia had an affair with his brother's wife. When the affair became known, the older brother was very angry.
As is the custom, the younger brother made a peace offering of cooked food wrapped in tolo and fiso leaves. These leaves underlined the message: "Please forgive me, for we are brothers."
But Tuitoga was not placated and Lautivunia made another peace offering, which included the flesh of ordinary bananas and of the lei. The two varieties of banana underlined the message, "We are flesh and blood – surely you can find it in your heart to forgive me?" Tuitoga was still not placated. So Lautivunia decided that if his brother would not accept his food offerings he would offer his life. He dug a hole where his catamaran was housed, fixed spears with points upward at the bottom of the hole, and threw himself on the spears. The force of his action caused the surrounding earth and sand to cave in and cover him.
When Lautivunia's disappearance was noticed, his father and brother sent out search parties to look for him. One party reached Falefa, Samoa. Tui Atua Leuteleleiite said, "You need not have come so far. Lautivunia is in Tonga under his catamaran."
So the search party returned to Tonga and found the body of Lautivunia. The Tui Toga felt obliged to reciprocate this favour from Tui Atua Leutele Leiite and instructed the search party to return to Samoa with the finest of his fine mats, which he named Le Ageagea o Tumua. In addition, he recognised Tui Atua Leuteleleiite's seer abilities by confirming that Leutele Leiite was in fact had the ability to see things, that is, Leutele Leiite with the prophetic powers.
The name Leutele continued down to his great grand nephews Moeono Faleologa and Leutele Leutogi and their surviving kins as of today. The Leiite name has now become an orator matai title within the Moeono and Leutele families in Falefa as one of the titles of the Sā Leutele and Sa Moeono family.

The ravages of war: Iuli Potini calls for peace

In later centuries, a great war between Tuamasaga and the two allies, Atua and Aana ravaged the country. Having been defeated, Malietoa Uitualagi and the Tuamasaga army sought refuge at Ana o Seuao in Saanapu, Safata. Atua and Aana forces gave chase and as they arrived at Ana, prepared to complete their victory by burning the entire region and killing off the rest of Malietoa's troops.
The stage was set for perhaps the most celebrated of all Samoan orations. Among the warriors of Atua was the orator Iuli Potini of Falefa; and he it was, who, in an effort to save the people of Tuamasaga from the peril which confronted them, spoke with unflagging fervour for two full days and nights entreating the leaders of Atua and Aana to have mercy on their captives. His oration was not, however, a disinterested appeal, for in the cave together with her husband, Pulemagafa—an orator of Fangalii, was the daughter of Iuli and her two children. The daughter's name is said to have been Talalaufala, and her two children were Salamaleulu, a girl, and Falefataalii, a boy. This boy Falefataalii, was the sole surviving male descendant of Iuli Potini and would upon Iuli's death have inherited his lands and title. According to Samoan custom he would be termed o le gafa malō o Iuli, and his position is one of great importance. It was in an attempt then to preserve the life of this boy and so maintain his family line intact that Iuli spoke for so long and with such vehemence. Iuli's remarkable oration is still remembered throughout all Samoa in the expression: O se Iuli which is used in reference to any orator who speaks with great persistence and to great length. The tract of land in which the cave lies is still known as Potini in memory of Iuli.
Iuli's words were heard by the people of Tuamasaga, and the nature of his oration was conveyed to Malietoa and the other chiefs and orators within the cave. Pulemagafa, too, must have heard the story of Iuli's plea, and old and blind as he was, he made his way forward to the mouth of the cave guided by his son Falefataalii. As he groped his way he was assailed by the taunts of his fellow captives, for to them he was making but a hopeless gesture. He pressed on however until gaining the mouth of the cave, and questioning his son so as to determine the identity of those without, he made an oration in reply to Iuli and the chiefs and orators of Atua and Aana, pleading for deliverance. Pulemagafa's earnest appeal was poorly received, for great was the rancour between the warring districts, until he announced that Malietoa was willing to pay as ransom the island of Tutuila. Such an offer was eagerly grasped, and before long the great sailing canoes of Atua were heading eastward to claim the prize, while Malietoa and his crest-fallen followers returned to their villages. This famous incident is still remembered in the proverb—Ua tosi fa, and to this day many of the village names and chiefly titles of Tutuila still bear witness to the nature of their origin, derived directly as they were from the district of Atua.
For his efforts in ending the conflict, Iuli Potini was elevated from tulafale to tulafale-alii and given the rank of Matua by Moeono Taeleomoamoa. Furthermore, his kava cup was named Lau ipu lenei; lua ao, lua po. Thus is the feat of his famous ancestor still commemorated. The current Iuli are numerous with his descendant Iuli Salale Moananu continuing this role in Falefa alongside the current chiefs of Falefa.

Independence: Moeono and The Mau Movement

In the early days of the Mau movement, Luafalemana Moeono Taeleomoamoa resigned from his post at the administration's Native Police to assist with efforts to garner national support for the fledgling independence movement.
As Pule were yet to pledge their unanimous support, he was tasked with leading a fleet of fautasi together with some of Upolu's Tumua orator polity to treat with the orators of Savaii and request their support.
Choosing to arrive at Satupaitea instead of Saleaula, Moeono recalled Falefa's earlier support for the Mau a Pule and called on Asiata to have Pule reciprocate their solidarity by joining forces with them in order to nationalise the cause for independence.
His son, Moeono Alaiasā Kolio would later become one of the Framers of the Constitution of the newly Independent State of Western Samoa.

Title contention and controversies

Disputes over the ''Tupua Tamasese'' title

Falefa and the Tupua Tamasese have a long history, dating back to when the first Tupua was installed by his family at Falefa in c.1550. In terms of succession to the title, the family has been among the least controversial of all Tama a Āiga families. Family consensus decided successors rather than the court. However, these amicable relations were eventually fractured in 1965 when a major split appeared over the successor to Samoa's former co-Head of State Tupua Tamasese Meaole, who died two years earlier. Two first cousins and sons of previous holders vied for the title and the family was forced to resort to the court for a settlement.
The family had been unable to agree between two candidates, Lealofi IV, the son of assassinated Mau leader Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III, and Tufuga Efi, the son of Samoa's former co-Head of State Tupua Tamasese Meaole. The two men were first cousins, and their fathers had both held the titles. After deliberations dissolved, both were subsequently installed at separate ceremonies by the different political families of Sā Tupua: Lealofi IV by Āiga Sā Fenunuivao of Falefa and Salani, and Tufuga Efi by Āiga o Mavaega and by a branch of Āiga Sā Tuala from Fasitoouta. The latter's installation took Āiga Sā Fenunuivao by surprise and was immediately met with stern rejection.
Both candidates were genealogically eligible, being descended from their common ancestor, Tupua Fuiavailili. However, Lealofi had the advantage of having the unanimous support of Āiga Sā Fenunuivao, the title's main political family, on the grounds that his father was older than Tufuga Efi's father and he himself was the elder candidate. The subsequent court battle saw a unanimous endorsement of Lealofi IV's appointment. However, Tufuga Efi's supporters returned to the court to press two more lines of argument. First they argued that the title should be appointed and conferred by the immediate heirs of recent holders. Āiga Sā Fenunuivao pointed out their right to step in and decide, especially seeing as there would inevitably be disagreement among descendants and pointing to the fact that Sā Fenunuivao were descendants themselves, a view also endorsed by the court. Second, Tufuga's supporters argued that the conjugate titles - Tupua and Tamasese - be split in two. They argued that the Tamasese name constituted a title in its own right and urged the court to award the Tupua title to Lealofi and the Tamasese title to Tufuga Efi. However, the court rejected this argument on the grounds that without Tupua, Tamasese could not be constituted as a title and that Tupua without Tamasese would disqualify Tupua from the rank of a Tama a Āiga.
The court ruled in favour of Āiga Sā Fenunuivao's candidate, Lealofi IV.
Tupua Tamasese Lealofi VI who would later go on to be elected Prime Minister of Samoa.

The second dispute

Upon Tupua Tamasese Lealofi IV's death in 1983, the question as to a successor was raised yet again with Tupuola Efi once again staking his claim. However, this would require Āiga Sā Fenunuivao agreeing to his appointment and owing to the political manoeuvring which preceded Lealofi VI's passing, Āiga Sā Fenunuivao were split on their candidate. Salani agreed however, Falefa and Lufilufi opposed. Despite the stalemate, Tupuola Efi pressed his claim and proceeded without the unanimous support of Āiga Sā Fenunuivao and most notably, that of Moeono Alaiasā Kolio Luafalemana and the Lufilufi polity. On the morning of his installation ceremony at Vaimoso, the nation's public broadcaster, Radio 2AP, read an announcement from Moeono, notifying the country that Āiga Sā Fenunuivao as well as the chiefs of Lufilufi had not sanctioned Tupuola Efi's ascension to the title and would not allow for the ceremony to proceed at the title's appurtenant maota at Mulinuū ma Sepolataemo in Lufilufi. This effectively nullified Tupuola Efi's grasp for the title yet again.

Resolution

Between 1983–1986, Tupuola Efi, made several visitations to the now ailing Moeono Kolio Alaia'sa Luafalemana at his residence at Laloāoa, Falefa. Despite their his refusal, Moeono came to terms with Tupuola Efi in 1986 after several apologies by the latter. With their differences settled, Moeono sanctioned the process to commence yet again and Tupuola Efi was confirmed as Tupua Tamasese Efi on 5 November, 1986.
However, the question of who had authority over the title was to be disputed and definitively determined the following year. The right of joint conferral was later challenged in court, with the main families within the Sa Tupua clan - Sā Fenunuivao, Sā Tuala and Aiga o Mavaega - disputing authority over the title. The matter was decisively settled when in 1987, the court ruled that the right of conferral of the title belonged exclusively to Āiga Sā Fenunuivao of Falefa and Salani.

Line of succession

Tama-a-Āiga: Tupua Tamasese

  • King Tupua Fuiavailili - descendant of Queen Salamasina, adopted son of King Muagututia and Fenunuivao, daughter of Leutele
  • King Afoa -
  • King Galumalemana -
  • King Nofoasaefā -
  • King Iamafana -
  • 1751–1830: Maeaeafe Mataafa
  • 1830–1860: Tupua Moegagogo
  • 1860s–1891: Tui Āana Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Titimaea -
  • 1891–1915: Tupua Tamasese Lealofi-o-aana I - son of Tupua Tamasese Titimaea.
  • 1915–1918: Tupua Tamasese Lealofi-o-aana II - eldest son of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi-o-aana I
  • 1918–1929: Tupua Tamasese Lealofi-oaana III - Mau leader, assassinated by NZ Soldiers during Black Saturday), younger brother of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi-o-aana II
  • 1929–1963: Tupua Tamasese Meaole - younger brother of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi-o-aana III; Co-Head of State with Malietoa Tanumafili II after Independence.
  • 1963–1983: Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Lealofi-o-aana IV - - Third Prime Minister of Samoa, son of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi-o-aana III
  • 1986–present: Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi -, son of Tupua Tamasese Meaole.

Aloalii: Luafalemana

  1. Luafalemana Leo'o - son of King Tupua Fuiavailili & Punipuao
  2. Luafalemana Tupua Puta - son of Luafalemana Leo'o and Va'aloa Fiamē, daughter of Fiamē, the head of the Aiga Sā Levalasi branch of Lotofaga
  3. Luafalemana Fagavale - parents - Maeataanoa Tauaaletoa Valema & Naimanu-ole-tuasivi
  4. Luafalemana Taua'aletoa Taligamaivalu Leala'iasalanoa - son of Luafalemana Fagavale and Vitolia, daughter of Lealaisalanoa Ielemia
  5. Luafalemana Moeono Alaiasā Taeleomoamoa Moeono
  6. * Grandson of Luafalemana Tupua Lealaisalanoa Taligamaivalu
  7. * Luafalemana Aukusitino
  8. * Luafalemana Eseese
  9. Luafalemana Leaupepe Aisaka Moeono
  10. * Son of Luafalemana Moeono Alaiasā Taeleomoamoa Moeono.
  11. * After a third meeting held at Taulupe to address concerns raised by descendants regarding the Luafalemana title, the matter was respectfully set aside to maintain harmony.
  12. * Later honoured with the title 'Leaupepe' from his mother's family in Fasitoo-uta, and discussions about the Luafalemana title were postponed to preserve family unity.
The Luafalemana Title remains vacant as of mid 2025. It has been contested by various parties over the years, including an unsuccessful bid by prominent Samoan journalist and convicted felon, Leiataua Savea Al Harrington Lavea and his brother Romney Lavea, also a convicted felon.

Tamālii: Leutele

  • Leutele Falealii
  • Leutele Togialeoli
  • Leutele Malota I
  • Leutele Malota II
  • Leutele Upuolevavau
  • Leutele Faatalale
  • Leutele Vaeluaga I
  • Leutele Faletui Monike
  • Leutele Vaafusuaga Poutoa
  • Leutele Taumoumea Tuu
  • Leutele Simaile Tuatagaloa
  • Leutele Vaeluaga II
  • 1940 - 2012 Leutele Tapusatele Keli Tuatagaloa
  • December 2024 - Present: Title jointly held by Leutele Malota Faleupolu Aliva and Leutele Mata Tuatagaloa

Tulafale-Alii (Matua): Moeono

  • 1705-1735: Moeono Matamu - Granted authority to Tagataoleao Faamanini Tagaloa Leutele
  • 1735-1765: Moeono Tagataoleao Faamanini Leutele Tagaloa Moeono
  • 1765-1795: Moeono Faitā
  • 1795-1825: Moeono Teo Faitā Moeono
  • 1825-1855: Moeono Taemanutavae Aifaalua
  • 1889-1918: Moeono Sufalī - Parents: Lealaisalanoa Luafalemana Tauaaletoa Taligamaivalu & Siāmailē Moeono
  • 1919-1922: Moeono Tailalo - Descendant/Suli of Moeono Faitā
  • 1923-1957: Moeono Luafalemana Alaiasā Taeleomoamoa Moeono - Nephew of Moeono Sufalī - Parents: Alaiasā Aiotaua & Taeata Vitolia II
  • 1957-1987: Moeono Alaiasā Kolio - Son of Moeono Luafalemana Alaiasā Taeleomoamoa and Fonofono (Fonofono is the daughter of Leaupepe Faatoto I, Fasitoo-uta
  • 1987-2018: Moeono Atoamafuaiupolu Tomanogi Penitito Alaiasā - Son of Moeono Alaiasā Kolio
  • 2018 - Present: The Moeono Title remains vacant.

Tulafale-Alii (Matua): Iuli

  • Iuli Sale
  • Iuli Tapa
  • Iuli Veni
  • Iuli Sefo I
  • Iuli Tavita Tapa
  • Iuli Sefo Fautuaalii
  • Iuli Moefaauo Salale Moananu

Population

The population of Falefa is 1,563.
South of the village settlement is Falefa Valley, Falefa's traditional territory southwards to neighbouring Lotofaga and eastwards to Fagaloa Bay.

Faalupega: charter and salutations

A village faalupega is essentially a series of salutations that refer to a village or district's most important titles and descent groups. It provides a basic outline of its basic hierarchy and genealogies of note, thus the order of mention is usually relevant, depending on the location and context.
The basic structure of Falefā's faalupega, in its most reduced version, is composed of three main parts, with the third allowing several possible variations:
  1. ... Aiga ma aloalii ... the chiefs and the son of the royal chief
  2. ... afio mai Sā Fenunuivao... to you Sā Fenunuivao
  3. ... oulua matua, Iuli ma Moeono ... to you, the elder chief orators, Iuli and Moeono
  4. ... ma le putuputu o tagata o le Tui Atua ...and the gathering of the people of the King of Atua ... and the various appointments of the people of the King of Atua
The customary honorifics of Falefa are as follows:
  • Tulouna le aai o Fonoti ma le fale e fagafua
  • Tulouna oulua matua: Iuli ma Moeono
  • Tulouna oe Fulumua na falelima ai fetalaiga ia te oe le Aai
ma le putuputu o tagata o le Tui Atua
  • Afio mai Sā Fenunuivao
  • Afio mai Leutele o le tina o Tupua
  • Afio mai Lealaisalanoa o le tei o Tupua, o le tama a Malili e fa
  • Afio mai Alaiasā na fita I tuga
  • Afio mai Luafalemana o le Aloalii.''''''''''

Important names and places in Falefa

Malae-Fono

  • Moamoa.
O le malae-fono o Moamoa e faalgi o 'tua o Lalogāfuafua e pola puipui ei laua le mātuā ia Iuli ma Moeono ma le Tofi Faasolo i le Aai o le Tupu o Fonoti.

Maota o Alii

  • Leutele - Vaiiliili ma Fogāvaiuta
  • Lealaisalanoa - Vaiee
  • Alaiasā - Gataivai
  • Suluvave - Malae
  • Luafalemana - Taulupe

Laoa

  • Moeono - Laloāoa
  • Iuli - Nofoāpule

Saotamaitai

  • Leutele - Sailau
  • Salanoa - Fenunuivao
  • Luafalemana - Salaināoloa
  • Alaiasā - Punipuao
  • Suluvave - Aovaa