It was in February of 2016 when Lopeti Aleamotu’a was recalled while he was in Australia waiting to undergo a course of studies with the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania. The reasons for his recall, and eventual dismissal from His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF), have never been disclosed to Lopeti, even after so many years. And this has become an issue that may cause him to take legal action.
The unexplained and disputed actions by HMAF have not only caused embarrassment and deep disappointment to the young hopeful career naval officer, but have publicly brought him shame.
Lopeti said that an article published in 2016 by the newspaper Taimi ‘o Tonga was false, even though the information was sourced from HMAF. He shared that these reports have ruined his reputation among “family, friends, future employers and general public.”
What has bothered Lopeti over the past 10 years, is that there has never been a written or formal explanation of his recall and his dismissal from His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF), even though he received a letter of his dismissal.
This part of Lopeti’s story started with his selection by His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) to do a course in Australia. The then 22-year old naval officer left Tonga for Australia on 29 January 2016. The 4 months course of studies started on February 8, 2016 through to May 28. But despite the fact he was already in Australia, ready to start the course, he was recalled back to Tonga, for reasons still unknown.
According to Lopeti, he was given a verbal order relayed by the officer in charge of the Defense International Training Centre accompanied by the Tongan seconded Warrant Officer First Class that he was to return to Tonga.
When asked why, he was told “due to administrative and disciplinary issues that have not been settled in Tonga.” Lopeti was confused as to what unsettled disciplinary issues were awaiting him in Tonga. He could not recall of anything he had done wrong that deserved the actions taken against him.
Initially Lopeti was not told who was the person that issued the order. But he found out later as he inquired. His uncle Brigadier General Lord Fielakepa who was Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) at the time told him: “Ko e folofola ange he Tu’i ke tuli ia he ngaue”. In English: “His Majesty the King ordered to dismiss him from work”.
This should be sufficient reason for the dismissal, as conveyed by the CDS. But in all fairness to Lopeti, there is still no explanation as to the reasons for the King to give such an order. In consideration of natural justice and fairness, an order from the King for dismissal without giving reasons is definitely unacceptable.
“I only wanted to know why His Majesty would want me fired?” Lopeti said, although he was “dumbfounded by these words however I never questioned it.”
When told about the King’s order, Lopeti said he questioned the truth of the statement from the CDS. Radio and Television Tonga had clearly stated they interviewed a Defence Board member. “I found out via Radio and Television just like all of Tonga about the Defence Board decision.
“It was not His Majesty’s wishes to terminate my services from HMAF but a proposal made by CDS that was initially declined by HM and the Defence Board,” Lopeti said.
The newspaper Taimi ‘o Tonga reported on Lopeti’s case with information sourced from HMAF. The edition of 26 February 2016 stated the reason for Lopeti’s recall was for breaching his scholarship contract. Lopeti denied this vehemently saying that he did not breach any contract and that there was no truth to this statement.
But there is more to this story. The Taimi ‘o Tonga was also covering a court dispute going on in regards to the noble title Fielakepa, as well as the associated land estate.
Baron Fielakepa (Aleamotu’a Siosaia Aleamotu’a) inherited the title from his father the Honourable
Fielakepa (Longolongo’atumai Aleamotu’a) after his passing. The late Fielakepa, was married to Tuna, and had three sons: the eldest being Aleamotu’a Siosaia (who became Baron Fielakepa), Taulupe, and Tongapo’uli, the youngest.
Baron Fielakepa passed away without any children. His next of kin and heir is his nephew Tongaliuaki Aleamotu’a as Taulupe had pre-deceased him. Taulupe had 7 sons and 2 daughters, Tongaliuaki being the eldest, and Lopeti is the second son.
In the meantime, His Majesty had bestowed the title on Tongapo’uli who is Siosaia’s youngest brother. Tongapo’uli is now Lord Fielakepa and also the Brigadier General and Chief of Defence Staff.
Tongaliuaki who is heir to the Fielakepa title took legal action claiming his right to the Noble title and land estates. The Taimi ‘o Tonga had reported in 2016 quoting Lord Fielakepa as saying that the court case challenging the noble title inheritance and land estate had nothing to do with the recall and dismissal of Lopeti, younger brother of Tongaliuaki.
But Lopeti said “I was told by a senior officer that Fielakepa was to dismiss me for my family’s doings not my own.”
Lopeti said that the proposals and reports about him have not been presented to him. He asked for a copy directly to Brigadier General Lord Fielakepa but was declined. “He advised (me) to seek the Defence Board Clerk and ask a copy from them. To this day I am still trying to acquire those reports and understand the whole truth to this matter.”
In a letter to Brigadier Lord Fielakepa (CDS) on 17 February 2025, Lopeti’s lawyer wrote: “Prior to his dismissal, Ensign Aleamotu’a L4788 made several written and verbal requests seeking clarification regarding the reasons for his internal investigation, the reasons for the request for him to take annual leave, and for access to the reports that formed the basis of the decision to dismiss him. These written requests, made on 6 February 2016, 16 February 2016, 17 May 2016, and 25 May 2016, have not been answered to date.”
The letter from Lopeti’s lawyer, Joycelyn Sikalu Lomu, of Fakatoukatea Law Firm, asked access be granted to Ensign Aleamotu’a’s full HMAF personal employment file; documents including his employment contract, any disciplinary records, reports and complaints, charges and allegations against Ensign Aleamotu’a, and any court decisions, rulings, or sanctions.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Captain Sione Ulakai responded to the lawyer’s letter on 25 February 2025 saying: “We are currently reviewing the request per HMAF policies and procedures regarding the release of personal records. A response will be provided once the necessary assessments and approvals have been completed.
HMAF later responded through the Solicitor General Sione Sisifa on 2 May 2025 declining Lopeti’s request to access his employment records. No reasons provided except that “it was against HMAF Policy.” Such Policy was not disclosed.
Not only was the information request declined but a summary of facts of what is in Lopeti’s files was provided instead. According to Lopeti, this “summary of facts” is totally different from his own account of what happened.
It is the end of May 2025 yet HMAF has not been transparent with the issues concerning Lopeti Aleamotu’a; to disclose the truth of why he was recalled and later dismissed. Taking legal action is not Lopeti’s wish, as an alternative. There are obviously better ways to sort out this incredible infringement on his integrity and character. There has been a huge violation of natural justice and fairness, and to keep it undercover for 10 years, is far from the kind of stuff that constitutes good governance.
