By Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
Koror, Palau — On September 26, Rubekul Belau submitted a proposed bill to the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK), seeking to address ongoing disputes over traditional titles.
In an accompanying letter, Rubekul Belau urged OEK to review and consider enacting the bill during the 11th Olbiil Era Kelulau session. The proposed legislation, spanning just over two pages, emphasizes the role of the Council of Chiefs, or Klobak, in determining rightful titleholders.
Under the proposed bill, the Klobak’s acceptance of a candidate would serve as prima facie evidence of their claim to a traditional title. This means that a person would only be officially recognized as a titleholder if accepted by the Klobak.
The bill also asserts that any court cannot overturn Klobak’s decision to accept or reject a candidate. Additionally, individuals who challenge Klobak’s authority in court and lose would be required to pay reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, with a fine of up to $20,000 imposed in favor of Klobak.
In a related development, the House of Traditional Leaders (HOTL) of Koror State recently fined Koror State matriarch Bilung Gloria Salii, her son James Lebuu Littler, and 15 chiefs from Koror and other states. They were fined $500 each for allegedly violating Koror’s traditional laws, specifically “Uldelid el Llach ma Ulekdubs ra beluu er Oreor.” HOTL had issued a public notice prior, warning that anyone who announces a Koror chief title without its confirmation would be fined.
As of yesterday, only Kldnguul ra Techemding Rechebei Udui has paid the fine. This development is expected to be more drawn out considering the complexities involving Bilung Gloria Salii, her brother and her son, contesting the title of paramount chief Ibedul of Koror.
Cultural expert Noah Sechalraimul, who has testified in court regarding traditional title disputes, explained that the selection of chiefs involves two key stages. First, clan women elders, known as Ourot, nominate a candidate, after which the Klobak decides whether to accept or reject the nominee.
Rubekul Belau’s letter was sent to Senate President Hokkons Baules and Senator Kazuki Sungino, chair of the Senate Committee on Community, Cultural, Youth, and Sports Affairs, for further review.