Matā‘afa’s people refused to recognize Tamasese as king, especially Manono and Apolima.
The joint commission of Germany, the United States and Great Britain abolished the Samoan kingship in June 1899 and placed Manu'a and Tutuila under American control while Germany received ‘Upolu, Savaii, Manono, and Apolima.
The other two islands in the Apolima Strait, are Apolima with one small village and the tiny uninhabited island of Nu'ulopa which is 700 meters WNW of the northwestern corner of Manono.
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The neighbouring islands are Apolima, which has a small village settlement and the islet Nu'ulopa.
Given that the district of Aiga-i-le-Tai (Manono and Apolima) and the district of Fa'asaleleaga on Savai'i are two key footholds of the Aiga SaMalietoa (Malietoa clan), Malie must consult with Manono (capital of Aiga-i-le-Tai) and Safotulafai (capital of Fa’asaleleaga) in the election of the Malietoa.