Born in
Bau, Madraiwiwi was the son of Bauan chief and rebel
Ratu Mara Kapaiwai, who had been executed by his cousin
Seru Epenisa Cakobau on 6 August 1859, shortly after Madraiwiwi's birth. and she was given to
Ratu Gavidi, Komai Nadrukuta. She was widowed on 26 April 1850 when Gavidi was shot in the back during a skirmish with the rival
vanua of
Verata. Prior to his execution, Mara Kapaiwai named his son Madraiwiwi, meaning "sour bread". Madraiwiwi progressed rapidly through the civil service and was appointed to the
Legislative Council. In 1896 he became the
Roko Tui of
Ra Province, the highest position open to Fijians. He also began serving as
Roko Tui of
Bua Province in 1904, before being appointed
Roko Tui of
Tailevu Province in 1912. ==References==