Mata'afa Iosefo

Who was Mata'afa Iosefo?

Mata'afa Iosefo was a Paramount Chief of Samoa who was one of the three rival candidates for the kingship of Samoa during colonialism. He was also referred to as Tupua Malietoa To'oa Mata'afa Iosefo.

The matai chiefly title Mata'afa is one of four highest titles in Samoa. From the late 19th century, Iosefo played a pivotal role during the country's colonial era when Germany, Great Britain and the United States were vying for control of the Samoa Islands. Each western power had their own chiefly candidate for the 'kingship' of Samoa, and Mata'afa was Germany's preferred candidate.

In the late 19th century, Mata'afa Iosefo was exiled to the Marshall Islands and was permitted to return in 1898. The Germans upheld his claim for the kingship.

Mata'afa Iosefo first came into prominence in September 1888 when under his command, his followers rebelled against the German backed Tamasese who was proclaimed Tafa'ifa or King of Samoa. A battle saw Mata'afa's warriors send Tamasese's forces retreating to Mulinu'u Point where a German gunship offered protection.