Tuiatua Efi Head of State of Samoa Date of Birth: 01.03.1938

1. Tupuola Tufuga Efi: Statesman and O Le Ao o le Malo
2. Early Life and Education
3. Political Career
4. Prime Minister and Opposition Leader
5. Head of State
6. Advocacy and Interests
7. Personal Life

Tupuola Tufuga Efi: Statesman and O Le Ao o le Malo

Born on March 1, 1938, in Moto'ota, Western Samoa, Tupuola Tufuga Efi, commonly known as Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, is a prominent Samoan political figure who served as Head of State.

Early Life and Education

Efi attended Marist Brothers Primary School in Mulivai and St. Patrick's College in Silverstream, New Zealand. He later pursued higher education at Victoria University of Wellington.

Political Career

Efi's political career began in 1966 when he was elected to the Parliament of Samoa as a Christian Democratic Party member. In 1970, he was appointed Minister of Works, a role he held for two years.

Prime Minister and Opposition Leader

Efi was elected Prime Minister in 1976 and served for two terms until 1982. During his second term, Samoa faced a prolonged public sector strike that ultimately led to the election of the opposition Human Rights Protection Party, which has remained in power since.

Following his party's electoral defeat in 1982, Efi became the leader of the parliamentary opposition and the Samoa National Development Party. He served as Vice Prime Minister under Prime Minister Afiõga Vaʻai Kolone from 1985 to 1986.

Head of State

In 2007, following the death of Malietoa Tanumafili II, Efi was the sole candidate nominated for Head of State and was sworn into office on June 20, 2007.

Advocacy and Interests

Efi is a staunch advocate for the Samoan language and holds deep respect for Samoan culture and history. He has authored several books on Samoan culture, including "Clutter in Indigenous Knowledge" and "Research and History: A Samoan Perspective."

Personal Life

Efi is married to Masiofo Filifilia Imo, a Samoan princess. They have children and grandchildren.