NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – Lord Lasike, the Tongan noble who battled to retain his hereditary title after a weapons conviction barred him from Parliament, has died.
His political career was marked by both controversy and resilience.
First elected to the Tongan Legislative Assembly in a 2005 by-election as a noble representative, Lasike was re-elected in 2008 and 2010, cementing his place in the kingdom’s politics.
However, his tenure faced turbulence due to legal troubles.
On 9 July 2012, he was convicted of illegally possessing ammunition and fined US$280, resulting in his suspension from Parliament.
The Tongan Court of Appeal later overturned the conviction, saving his noble title, which would have been revoked under Tongan law if the ruling had stood.
A polarising figure, Lasike drew both admiration for his political service and criticism over his legal issues.
Beyond politics, he was a well-known social figure, actively participating in the Fōfō’anga kava club, where he was often seen playing guitar and singing during gatherings.
