16 Facts About Malietoa Laupepa

Susuga Malietoa Laupepa was the ruler of Samoa in the late 19th century.

Malietoa Laupepa was raised in Malie, received a religious education at Malua Seminary and was well known as a devout Christian.

Malietoa Laupepa was the recognized leader of the Sa Moli which was based primarily in northern Tuamasaga.

In May 1892, Malietoa Laupepa made a visitation to the founding house of Feigla in Western Samoa, Upolu.

Malietoa Laupepa maintained his devout profession of Christianity throughout his life, although he became increasingly aggressive as he was thrust into the power struggle against his warlike uncle Talavou.

Malietoa Laupepa did not enjoy universal support from his fellow Samoans and his warfare record was dismal; he did win some battles and managed to have himself crowned and subsequently deposed as Joint-King, Deputy-King, and sole King of Samoa in 1881.

Malietoa Laupepa was crowned King of Samoa by the German Empire, American, and British consuls in March 1881.

War between Tamasese and Malietoa Laupepa was declared but the Lackawanna Agreement, signed on July 12,1881, maintained an uneasy peace.

King Malietoa Laupepa protested the increasing German interference in Samoan politics and the Samoan government by petitioning Queen Victoria of Great Britain for protection in 1883 and again in November 1884.

Malietoa Laupepa received a delegation from King Kalakaua of the Kingdom of Hawaii on January 7,1887.

On February 17,1887, Malietoa Laupepa signed the Deed of Federation allying his government to that of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Malietoa Laupepa did not appreciate the rowdiness of the Hawaiian delegation, but he hoped that the Polynesian Confederation would provide more than lip service to the Samoan cause.

Malietoa Laupepa gravely offended the Malietoa families because he did not in fact hold the Malietoa title.

Malietoa Laupepa added further insult by amassing Malietoa family fine-mats for himself.

However Malietoa Laupepa was convinced by his chiefly colleagues to reclaim the kingship which the foreign powers and the Berlin Treaty had allotted him.

On December 4,1889, a fono was held in Lepea, Faleata and Malietoa Laupepa's supporters declared him King of Samoa.