Faupala's predecessor as
Lavelua of
Wallis,
Tomasi Kulimoetoke II, died in May 2007. Kulimoetoke had a sometimes strained relationship with French authorities during the final years of his reign. The period of mourning officially ended in November 2007, at which time discussions for a possible successor formally began. The announcement of Faupala as the new King sparked protests by the other royal families and clans across Wallis. where Faupala's predecessor,
Tomasi Kulimoetoke II, is buried. The coronation ended several days of formal traditional Wallisian celebrations, which included a kava ceremony and the presentation of gifts to the new King. Faupala was 68 years old at the time of his coronation. Several of Wallis's chiefly
royal families, only in the North (Hihifo), chose not to attend Faupala's coronation due to the ongoing dispute over the
royal succession. The coronation took place in the presence of the French Secretary General to the Administrator Superior of Wallis and Futuna, since the current Administrator Superior,
Richard Didier, was traveling outside of Wallis and Futuna at the time. A large delegation from
New Caledonia, which is also a French overseas possession, also attended the coronation. New Caledonian dignitaries included
Marie-Claude Tjibaou, the current Chair of
Agency for the Development of Kanak Culture. A number of pro-French
New Caledonian political parties were also represented including the president of
Future Together,
Didier Leroux. Other New Caledonian political and traditional figures, such as the Chairman of
South Province Philippe Gomès and the High Chief of
Lifou Island,
Evanes Boula, also attended Faupala's coronation on invitation. The New Caledonian delegation was careful not to become involved with the internal Wallisian royal succession dispute, with Didier Leroux saying "We were invited to attend the ceremonies. But I'd like to point out that we come as external observers and I would not like to take sides in the current quarrel between one side or the other." == References ==