Condolences have been pouring in for Dr. Tupeni Lebaivalu Baba, a respected academic and political figure, who passed away on Saturday, July 13, at the age of 82.
Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry praised his fortitude, affable personality and strong advocacy for social justice, highlighting his contributions to the party in its formative years.
Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu said the late Dr Baba “stood for freedom and democracy.”
“Now and then an individual rises from within us to become a shining light to society. The late Dr Baba was one of those,” Seruiratu said. “Fiji has lost a son and a great man, but we take solace in the fact that his good works will never be erased. He was indeed a rare scholar, intellectual, and political figure, badly needed to continuously hold the feet of polity in Fiji.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the National Federation Party, Professor Biman Prasad, praised Dr Baba’s decency, humility, and intelligence, noting how he prioritised unity and national interest amidst many challenges and difficulties he faced.
“Professor Baba didn’t hesitate to reject deviousness, arrogance and dictatorship even if it meant slating his party leader. Professor Baba was not only a political comrade, but a dear academic colleague from the University of the South Pacific.
“He was someone that I could always depend upon to find reason and grace at meetings even though we were from different Faculties”.
Dr Baba played a crucial role in the historic NFP/FLP Coalition Government and supported the 1997 Constitution, advocating for reconciliation and goodwill among Fiji’s diverse communities.
Dr Baba’s funeral arrangements include the reguregu, a traditional Fiji ceremony of condolences, which will take place today at Domain Road in Suva and on July 17 at Nadaro Village, Vugalei. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 18 at 10 am at Nadaro Village, followed by burial.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Professor Unaisi Baba and her family,” said Seruiratu. “Fiji has lost a great man, but his legacy lives on.”
