Falakika Seilala
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Falakika Seilala (died 20 February 1869), was a Queen of Uvea, ruling from 1858 until 1869. She introduced the title Lavelua for all the kings and queens of Uvea. She succeeded her brother Soane-Patita Vaimua Lavelua, and was succeeded by her paternal niece Amelia Tokagahahau Aliki.[1]
A member of the Takumasiva dynasty, she acceded to the throne on 5 December 1858,[1] a few weeks after the death of her brother Soane-Patita Vaimua Lavelua,[2] who chose her to succeed him.[1] The Catholic mission played an important role in her nomination, with Jean-Claude Roux saying they "pushed [her] to the throne".[3]: 126
In 1859, she encountered difficulties with a French merchant, who had to leave Wallis.[3]: 69
Her coming to power revived conflicts between Catholics and Protestants, converted by Wesleyan missionaries (Methodists) from Tonga.[1] Thus, in 1866, she refused to grant the islanders religious freedom, as requested by the captain of a Royal Navy ship who had come to support the Protestants,[3]: 285 and also refused the request of a Wesleyan pastor the following year.[2]
Her niece Amelia Tokagahahau Aliki succeeded her on February 19, 1869[4] and she died the next day.