NGERULMUD, Palau — The Senate of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau has rejected any role in resolving traditional title disputes, stating it has no constitutional mandate to intervene, in response to a letter from Bilung Gloria Salii objecting to the Senate’s handling of the Ibedul seat during the State of the Republic Address.
Bilung’s letter, dated April 25, criticized Senate President Hokkons Baules for not recognizing James Littler, whom she appointed as the Ibedul of Koror, during President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s annual address on April 24. Littler was invited to attend the address by President Whipps, but no seat was designated for the Ibedul—only one for Reklai, the high chief of Melekeok State.
In a formal response issued May 1, the Senate maintained that it has no authority to mediate traditional leadership matters, especially those under dispute or legal review.
“As senators, it is not our prerogative to intervene in such a manner,” Baules stated in the response. “The Republic’s Constitution, which establishes the Olbiil Era Kelulau, gives it no role in mediating or adjudicating traditional controversies. We work very hard not to establish such a precedent.”
The Senate cited an ongoing legal case regarding the rightful holder of the Ibedul title as a key reason for not assigning a seat to any claimant. “The controversy over Ibedul is primarily a controversy for Idid to resolve, not a governmental controversy,” Baules said, referring to the traditional leadership system within Koror.
“Until such time as there is clarity on this issue, we do not believe it is proper for politicians to weigh in, in their official capacity, on what is primarily a private dispute,” the Senate’s letter added.
The title of Ibedul, the highest chiefly title in Koror, is currently disputed. Bilung has appointed her son, James Littler, as Ibedul, while the Koror State House of Traditional Leaders and the national Council of Chiefs recognize her brother, Alexander Merep, as the rightful titleholder.