Afoa Moega Lutu

Afoafouvale Leulumoegafou Suesue Lutu (February 24, 1947 – December 15, 2023) was an American Samoan politician and attorney. Lutu has served as the former attorney general of American Samoa in two different administrations. He was a former senator from the district of Maopūtasi, serving the villages of Fagatogo, Utulei and Fagaalu. He was the last known holder of the high chief title, Afoafouvale.

Biography

Early life Afoa Moega Lutu was born on February 24, 1947, to Rev. Suesue Solofa Lutu and Vaituutuu Pātu Leota Leuluaialii Lutu. clans of American Samoa, namely Loi, Puaa, Taeletoto, and Tuālima, bestowed the title of Afoafouvale to him. He was formally granted in a traditional ceremony in 1990 at the Afoa family land, Asila. Lutu was appointed the Director of proceedings for the 2010 convention, which took place from June 21 through July 2, 2010. He was also a panel member for the 1987 Constitutional Convention.

In 2012, Lutu was again appointed attorney general during the Lolo Matalasi Moliga administration. He was the first appointed cabinet member for the new administration.

In 2014, he stepped down as attorney general to serve his district of Maopūtasi No. 7 as senator at the request of the District, representing the villages of Fagatogo, Utulei and Fagaalu.

Political ambitions In 1990 Lutu ran for the American Samoa Delegates in the United States House of Representatives, but was defeated by Eni Faleomavaega.

In 2008 Lutu ran again for the gubernatorial seat for American Samoa with then Senator Velega Savali. They did not make the run-off election and endorsed the Togiola Tulafono/Aitofele Sunia team during the final election, which they won beating the Utu Abe Malae/Sao Nua team.

In 2012 Lutu made a final bid for the gubernatorial seat with teammate Lei Sonny Thompson. They were unable to meet the needed votes for the run-off election.

2008 gubernatorial election

Afoa Moega Lutu once again decided to challenge Gov. Togiola Tulafono for his office in the 2008 gubernatorial election. Lutu's running mate for Lieutenant Governor was Velega Savali, a former American Samoan Treasurer.

Lutu and Savali launched their campaign for Governor at a kick-off campaign rally at the Tradewinds Hotel on May 17, 2008.

Alzheimer's disease In November 2019, the Lutu family publicly made known Afoa's battle with Alzheimer's disease. An "Unforgettable Walk" was held in participation of the National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and hosted by the non-profit Lutu co-founded, the Agency for Better Living Endeavors (A.B.L.E.). A.B.L.E. has partnered with other agencies, government and non-government, to promote awareness of the brain disease and impacts to Samoan families and communities.

He died on December 15, 2023, in Loma Linda, California.