PARAMOUNT CHIEF RACE HEATS UP AS Chief Monze, CHIEF MUKUNI CAMPS PUSH FOR TOP TRADITIONAL TITLE.
By John Shikabe
The battle over who should be recognized as Paramount Chief in Southern Province is intensifying, with supporters of both Chief Monze and Chief Mukuni pressing for the coveted traditional status.
A fortnight ago, Director General of the Bene Mukuni Dynasty Committee, Jonas Shakafuswa, filed a petition in the Constitutional Court against Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, seeking the reclassification of Chief Mukuni as a Paramount Chief in line with custom and tradition.
Mr. Shakafuswa argues that the current classification of Chief Mukuni as an ordinary chief is inconsistent with the historical and cultural standing of the Bene Mukuni Royal Establishment
He contends that the office of Munokalya Mukuni has, for generations, held paramount and kingly authority within the traditional hierarchy and deserves formal recognition.
Meanwhile, Chief Monze’s Prime Minister, Terry Hiloka, has told PTV2 News that a significant number of traditional leaders in Southern Province have already acknowledged and accepted Chief Monze’s elevation to Paramount Chief.
Mr. Hiloka says successive governments have failed the Tonga people by not recognizing their longstanding wish to have Chief Monze installed as Paramount Chief.
He has since called on the New Dawn administration to take decisive action on the matter.
The campaign for Chief Monze’s recognition has also received backing from Senior Headman Kanjimanu, Osten Matongo, who said elevating Chief Monze would strengthen unity and enhance the organisation of Tonga-speaking people in Southern Province.