Afioga Faaolesa Katopau Ainu’u, a senior lawyer and former Samoa Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, has passed away at age 62.
Hon Faaolesa had served as a key member of the Cabinet from 2016 to 2021.
He represented Vaimauga 2, and was Samoa’s Minister of Justice and Courts Administration from 2016 to 2021 under the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) government.
His tenure was marked by significant legislative shifts, including the controversial overhaul of the Land and Titles Court and the 2017 reinstatement of criminal libel laws.
Before his parliamentary career, Ainu’u established himself as a prominent barrister with a career spanning both Samoa and American Samoa.
In June 2025, Faaolesa re-emerged in politics as the founding President of the Samoa Labour Party. The party was formed by former HRPP members to offer alternative social and economic policies for the 2025 general elections.
Faaolesa suffered a heart attack at his family home in Leufisa and passed away on Saturday afternoon 14th February 2026.
Tributes from former colleagues and the public are offering condolences to his family and acknowledging his years of service to the country.
He is described as a senior member of Samoa’s legal fraternity and dedicated servant to the Samoa, auauna o le atunuu,
It is expected that Faaolesa will receive a state funeral with details to come.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Honorable Faaolesa Katopau Ainu’u at this time of loss.
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