The ongoing feud in one of the Tongan nobility’s prominent families has taken another turn in the kingdom’s public services, it has been revealed this week.
Lopeti Aleamotu’a, the young brother of Tongaliuaki Aleamotu’a who recently won a court case he filed against his uncle Lord Fielkepa was told to return home from Australia while he was there on a study program.
Lord Fielakepa told Lopeti “he had submitted a proposal to dismiss him” from his Majesty’s Armed Forces, Tonga Broadcasting Commission reported.
Lord Fielakepa is the Commander of His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
His nephew Lopeti Aleamotu’a was a navy officer at His Majesty’s Armed Forces since 2012.
His eldest brother Tongaliuaki challenged the king’s decision to bestow the title Lord Fielakepa on his uncle in court.
Tongaliuaki was the rightful heir to the title after his father died in 2007 but King Tupou VI conferred the title on his uncle Tongapo’uli Aleamotu’a.
It was alleged the proposed dismissal was made because the court case appears to have challenged His Majesty’s will in which Lord Fielakepa denied.
The proposal was declined by the Forces’ Board and returned to the minister in charge for further review, the Commission said.
The Commission said it was apparent the decision by Lord Fielakepa to dismiss Lopeti was linked to the court case made by Tongaliuaki against him.
“Other conditions raised in the proposal to dismiss Lopeti from the Force, is the work conducted by Lopeti Aleamotu’as (sic) family, which deemed to go against the will and consent of His Majesty”, the report said.
It said the proposal was returned to the Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces for further review.
Lord Fielakepa told Radio Tonga “he has yet to receive the decision of the Board”.
He told the radio the “decision to dismiss Lopeti has no relation with the land case between himself and Lopeti’s older brother which was heard in the Supreme Court late last year”.
Lopeti submitted a marriage proposal last month to Lupeolo Halaevalu Moheofo Virginia Rose, Her Royal Higgness Pilinisesi Pilolevu and Lord Tuita’s youngest daughter and it was accepted.
The details of the wedding celebration has yet to be announced.
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