Background
He was born in Vaitogi, Tutuila, American Samoa to a Samoan upper-class parents, Reverend James Alesana Fai"ivae and Vaoita Iosefa Mala"itai.
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Tofilau Eti Alesana
Edit ProfileWestern Samoan government official
Education
Student, Poyer School, American Samoa. Student, Maluafou School, Western Samoa.
Career
At the age of 24, he became a clan chief In 1957 he was elected to the legislative council, and in 1958 he became health minister. He helped draft the constitution for the newly independent state of Western Samoa.
He regained control of the party in 1988 and became prime minister.
Alesana led the party to almost complete control of the country, with more than a 2/3 majority in the Parliament. In 1997 Alesana"s government changed the country"s name from Western Samoa to Samoa.
His party still holds power. Alesana was also foreign minister of Samoa from 1984 to 1985 and from 1988 to 1998.
He is the uncle of former Governor of American Samoa, Tauese Pita Alesana as well as the former United States. Congressional Representative Fofo Sunia, the present Lieutenant.Governor of American Samoa, Faoa Aitofele Sunia and present Congressional representative, Eni Hunkin also of American Samoa.
Achievements
Politics
Tofilau is the first of a prominent political family in both Samoas. Alesana"s son, Tautua Samoa Party President Virginia"aelua Eti Alesana, died in 2011.
Membership
Alesana served as prime minister for the first time from 1982 until 1985 when he was deposed by Parliament with the help of disgruntled members of his own party. Alesana began to suffer from health problems in the 1990s, finally resigning as Prime Minister in November 1998 but remained a member of Cabinet as Minister Without Portfolio until his death in the capital, Apia.
Connections
Married Pitolua Toomata. 14 children.
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Born
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Died
March 19, 1999 (aged 74) -
Nationality
American -
Ethnicity
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Political Party
Human Rights Protection Party