Tupua Tamasese

Tupua Tamasese is the title of one of Samoa's four important paramount chiefs.^[1] Samoa's other three important paramount chiefs are the Malietoa, Mata'afa and Tuimaleali'ifano.^[2]

Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole, who was Samoa's co-head of state at the time of the country's independence in 1962, served as Tupua Tamasese from 1929 until his death in 1963. Mea'ole was succeeded as Tupua Tamasese by Tupua Tamasese Lealofi-o-a'ana IV (1922–1983).

As of 2007, Samoa's Tupua Tamasese is Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Tufuga Efi, who is Lealofi-o-a'ana's successor. Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Tufuga Efi formerly served as the 3rd Prime Minister of Samoa. He was sworn in as Samoa's head of state, the O le Ao o le Malo, on June 16, 2007.^[3]

Succession List since the 19th century

• Tupua Tamasese Titimaea (1830–1891), holder of the title until 1891.
• Tupua Tamasese Lealofi I (??? - 1915), holder of the title from 1891 until 1915. He was the son of Tupua Tamasese Titimaea.
• Tupua Tamasese Lealofi II (??? - 1918), holder of the title from 1915 until 1918. He was the oldest son Tupua Tamasese Lealofi I.
• Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III (1901 - 1929), holder of the title from 1918 until 1929. He was a younger brother of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi II.
• Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole (1905–1963), holder of the title from 1929 to 1963. He was the younger brother of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III.
• Tupua Tamasese Lealofi IV (1922–1983), holder of the title from 1963 until 1983. He was a son of Lealofi III.
• Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Tufuga Efi (1938–Present), holder of the title from 1983 to present. He is a son of Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole.

See also

• Fa'amatai, chieflty system of Samoa.
• Muagututi'a
• Malietoa
• Mata'afa
• Tuimaleali'ifano
• Tui Manu'a
• Tui Atua
• Tui A'ana

References

1. "Malietoa Tanumafili II (Obituary)". The Economist (The Economist print edition). 2007-05-24. Retrieved 2007-06-12.
2. Samoa - About Samoa
3. Radio New Zealand. "Samoa swears in new head of state". Retrieved 2007-06-20.