Although he was not accorded a chiefly title from Bau his birthplace, he was installed as the second Tui Lau in 1938 following the traditional process of consultation between the Yavusa Tonga of Sawana in Lomaloma and the endorsement of the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba II following the passing of Ratu Alifereti Finau Ulugalala as referenced in the TRY Lakeba and TRY Tonga.