NBA legend Shaq O’Neal is soon to be made Samoan chief. Know more about it.
‘Big Diesel’ Shaquille O’Neal keeps on getting blessed in his life. In the latest event, this NBA legend is set to receive a Samoan chief title in the new year, that is 2023.
50-year-old Shaq will receive the title of a matai (chief) during his trip to the island nation of Samoa. He will visit the island in May in support of a local sports tournament.
Notably, Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaq’s Samoan connection is not known but as per tradition, a chiefly title is bestowed to various members of families or the community belonging to a specific village and who then effectively become leaders and decision-makers for those families and villages.
Furthermore, depending on families and villages, each generation will have matai (chiefs). Sometimes titles are given to those who have served the local community or Samoa as a whole in their respective works – including non-Samoans.
So, looks like Shaq is to be bestowed with an honorary title of matai (chief), as he is a non-Samoan. But, going by Shaq’s philanthropic nature, he has definitely helped the Samoan community in some way or other and hence he will be matai next year.
More details about Shaq O’Neal being awarded the matai(chief) title
According to local media reports, the honoring event has been organized and confirmed by a representative of the Samoa Airport Authority, Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu.
Reports state that Tumanuvao is the one who helped secure Shaq O’Neal’s trip to Samoa a few months ago.
Talking to Samoa’s Eye Spy Radio station, Tumanuvao said the title would come from his own village, Leulumoega, and would be a token of the trip for the Samoa Games.
Meanwhile, a photo has already been shared on Facebook which shows the four-time NBA champion, Shaq with his signature smile – decked out in traditional items reserved for matai – including a fue (fly whisk), to’oto’o (staff) and ula fala necklace.
Further, Tumanuvao described Shaq O’Neal as being “so happy” about the upcoming trip to the islands. “His schedule is fully booked, but he is willing to come and he is happy. We are only waiting for the confirmation of his dates of travel,” Tumanuvao said.
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