The Tokaikolo Church’s court case continued on Thursday 25th June 2026 between Rev. Mesake Mapapalangi and the current President Saia Fepuiaki Tatafu. William Clive Edwards is the legal representative of the defendant – the current President and representing the plaintiff – Rev. Mapapalangi is Sifa Tu’utafaiva. The judge is Justice Langi KC.
Two witnesses were called for the defendant which was the President and Rev. Paongo Faiva. Tu’utafaiva questioned the President if he recalls the conference meetings that he chaired. The President answered yes and Tu’utafaiva asked for him to list out the conference meetings that he chaired. The President was slow to respond whereby the counsel put it forward to him that he does not remember the meetings held at the conferences that he chaired. The defendant tried to point out that the conference is a general meeting that he chairs. However, the counsel was firm in putting forward that the defendant does not recall the meetings held that he chaired. The President replied that what he is putting forward and his opinions are those of the counsel alone. The counsel stated that he is to only answer ‘yes’ or ‘no, he does not remember’. Opposing counsel William Clive Edwards objected that counsel Tu’utafaiva’s line of questioning is somewhat almost overbearing. Justice Langi KC directed the defendant to answer counsel Sifa’s question. The Defendant replied stating he does not remember.
After this, counsel Edwards re-examined the defendant in attempting to confirm whether there was any amendment to the 2021 Constitution. The judge also questioned the defendant on this matter to which he finally admitted that no amendment was made. This concluded the questioning of the defendant. The next witness was then called – Rev. Paongo.
Counsel Tu’utafaiva cross-examined Rev. Paongo whether the Tokaikolo Church has a legal Constitution to direct them and does he recall being given a copy of the 2018 Constitution. Rev. Paongo answered no. He was further questioned if he had been given a copy of the 2021 Constitution, to which Rev. Paongo answered ‘no’. Counsel Tu’utafaiva questioned if the 3 year election of the President is constitutional or simply an understanding amongst them. Rev. Paongo answered that according to his knowledge it is an understanding amongst them. Counsel Tu’utafaiva then furthered as to why a presidential election was conducted if the 2018 Constitution states that once elected president, will remain president until death. This contradicts the 2021 Constitution to which Rev. Mapapalangi’s charges are based on, which states that the presidential election is three years term and the term of the current president should have ended in November 2025. If the president is not elected after their three year terms then the council then has the authority to elect anew. Counsel Tu’utafaiva questioned if the 2022 election was until death. Rev. Paongo was slow to answer and counsel Tu’utafaiva questioned whether they amend the constitution outside and why did they conduct a new election? Rev. Paongo answered: “Because we were threatened to be taken to court if we do not conduct a new election in 2025”. Counsel Tu’utafaiva asked why did not stand firm on what was right. Rev. Paongo answered that they attempted to protect the church. Counsel Tu’utafaiva kept questioning if this president election is for 3 years term or until death. Rev. Paongo was unable to provide a straight answer but said that he is unclear on that matter because it has not been stated on the constitution. Counsel Tu’utafaiva questioned that there was 80 plus of them in the election and they were aware that the three years presidential election term is not stipulated on the constitution and yet they still went ahead with the presidential election. Rev. Paongo answered: “because we were threated with the law”.
At the end of the cross-examining, counsel Tu’utafaiva asked Rev. Paongo if there has been any attempt to reconcile with Rev. Mapapalangi and elaborated on the importance of harmony and reconciliation of those working for God. Rev. Paongo responded that Rev. Mapapalangi called him two days before the trial began and he willingly accepted Rev. Mapapalangi’s call for reconciliation and stated that there is no time too late for reconciliation.
Judge Langi KC rescheduled the continuance of this case to the 23rd July 2026.
