Ilaijia Varani

Who is Ilaijia Varani?

Ilaijia Varani was a chief of Viwa, Bau, Tailevu in Fiji in the mid-to-late 19th century.. He was an important leader both as a pagan as a Christian. A friend and the right hand of Ratu Seru Cakobau, feared by all, renowned as a warrior, respected as a leader – it cost him a great deal to risk all and become a Christian as he did on Good Friday, 1845. Yet as a Christian, his powers passed not from him. His island of Viwa, became a haven of refuge for persecuted Christians. Yet despite the limitation placed on him by his new faith, he was never disloyal to his king.

Varani played a vital role in the protection of the early missionaries such as Reverend John Hunt and Wiliam Lyth to the Fiji group in the early 19th century. Under his protection, Christian missionaries managed to spread the influence of Christianity much more quickly than would have been expected. Cannibalism was still practiced at that time in Fiji.

His story still stands today to show how a leader may be loyal both to GOD and country. His energies were expended in endeavor to lead fighting tribes to peace – and in so doing he eventually paid the supreme price at Lovoni, Ovalau.

Ratu Ilaijia Varani is a fine example of real leadership – leadership which does not lose sight of its Christian responsibility in public life.