Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Tufuga Efi, also known as Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, and formerly known as Tupuola Efi, (born March 1, 1938) is a Samoan political figure who has been Samoa's head of state since 2007. Previously he was Prime Minister of Samoa from 1976 to 1982 and again later in 1982.
On 16 June 2007 he was elected as O le Ao o le Malo, Samoa's head of state, for a five-year term. He was officially sworn in as O le Ao o le Malo at Samoa's Parliament (Fono) on 20 June 2007.
He is a member of one of the paramount Families of State (Aiga Tupu) where he holds the Tupua title of the SaTupua 'royal' family. He also holds the Tama-a-Aiga Tamasese title and the title of "Tui Atua".
Tupua first entered parliament and became Prime Minister under the title Tupuola.
Early and Personal Life
Tupua was born on March 1, 1938 at Moto'otua in Samoa. He is the son of Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole and Noue Irene Gustava Ta'isi Nelson.
Tupua attended primary school at the Marist Brothers School at Mulivai in the Samoan capital of Apia. He continued his education at St. Patrick's College in Silverstream, Wellington, New Zealand. He was also educated at Victoria University of Wellington, in New Zealand's capital city.
Tupua is married to Her Highness Masiofo Filifilia Imo, who is also known as Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese.
Tupua has been described as a defender and proponent of the Samoan language.
O le Ao o le Malo (Head of state)
On May 11, 2007, following the death of Malietoa Tanumafili II, Samoa's head of state since independence in 1962, Tupua became one of the two acting heads of state as a member of the Council of Deputies. Tupua was elected Head of state on 16 June 2007. His was the only nomination put forth in Samoa's Fono (parliament) and thus the decision was unanimous. His election was welcomed by many Samoans in New Zealand. He was officially sworn into office on 20 June 2007.
From : www.wikipedia.org
