Malietoa Tanumafili II
Former O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa (1962–2007) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Malietoa Tanumafili II GCMG CBE (4 January 1913 – 11 May 2007), addressed Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II, was the Malietoa, the title of one of Samoa's four paramount chiefs,[1] and the head of state, or O le Ao o le Malo, a position that he held for life, of Samoa from 1962 to 2007. He was co-head of state in 1962 with the tama-a-'aiga Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole and became the sole head of state on 15 April 1963 upon the death of his co-regent.[2] At the time of his death, he was the oldest national leader in the world, and was also the last incumbent president-for-life in the world. His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II was also the first head of state to be a follower of the Bahá’í Faith.[3]
His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II | |
---|---|
O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa | |
In office 1 January 1962 – 11 May 2007 | |
Prime Minister | |
Preceded by | Office Established (Jack Wright as High Commissioner) |
Succeeded by | Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi |
Malietoa | |
Tenure 7 January 1940 – 11 May 2007 | |
Preceded by | Malietoa Tanumafili I |
Succeeded by | Malietoa Faamausili Molī |
Personal details | |
Born | (1913-01-04)4 January 1913 German Samoa |
Died | 11 May 2007(2007-05-11) (aged 94) Apia, Samoa |
Resting place | Mulinu'u |
Spouse(s) | Le Afioga i le Masiofo, Lili Tunu |
Children | 11 (including Papalii Laupepa) |
Parent(s) | Malietoa Tanumafili I and Momoe Lupeuluiva Meleisea |
The Malietoa is one of the four tama-a-'aiga (maximal lineage) titles of Samoa, alongside Tupua Tamasese, Mata-afa and Tuimalealiifano.[4]
Following an extended period deliberation, the Malietoa title passed to his eldest son, Malietoa Fa’amausili Molī.