14 Facts About George Cakobau

Ratu Cakobau was appointed Governor-General of Fiji in 1973, becoming the first indigenous Fijian to serve as the viceregal representative of Elizabeth II, Queen of Fiji.

George Cakobau was educated first at Fiji's Queen Victoria School, then at Newington College in Australia and Wanganui Technical College in Wanganui, New Zealand.

George Cakobau became a member of the Great Council of Chiefs in 1938, where he remained until 1972.

George Cakobau served with the Royal Fiji Military Forces in World War II, rising to the rank of captain.

George Cakobau remained a member of this body, which was renamed the House of Representatives when Fiji became independent in 1970 as the Dominion of Fiji until his appointment as Governor-General.

George Cakobau served in the Cabinet, first as Minister for Fijian Affairs and Local Government and subsequently as a minister without portfolio, from 1970 to 1972.

Three days after the election, the NFP splintered in a leadership brawl, and George Cakobau, acting as Fiji's effective head of state, then called on the defeated Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, to form a new government, pending fresh elections.

George Cakobau made his debut first-class debut against Auckland and played his fourth and final first-class match on tour against Otago.

George Cakobau played a rugby union Test match for Fiji in 1939, against a New Zealand Maori team at Hamilton.

Fiji won by 10 points, with George Cakobau contributing two points, through a conversion.

Ratu Sir George Cakobau's father was Ratu Popi, and his grandfather was Ratu Celua, the youngest son of the Vunivalu, Ratu Cakobau.

George Cakobau was married twice, first to Adi Veniana Gavoka then to Lady Lelea Seruwaia Balekiwai.

George Cakobau retired from office in 1983, but as Fiji's traditional Paramount Chief, he remained influential until his death in 1989.

Ratu Epenisa Cakobau was installed as Ratu Sir George's successor as Vunivalu of Bau on the 10th of March 2023.