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. He 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.