Cakobau was crowned in May 1867 as King of Bau, and recognized as King of Fiji in 1871.
Cakobau, the daughter of Ratu Sir George Cakobau, who was Fiji's Governor-General from 1973 to 1983, was appointed to the Senate in 2001 as one of nine nominees of the Fijian government.
He allied with him and other chiefs, including Koroi Ravulo of Vusaradave and Tui Levuka in a formidable coalition dedicated to the destruction of Ratu Cakobau.
Williams held Cakobau, the Vunivalu (Paramount Chief) of Bau and self-proclaimed Tui Viti (King of Fiji) responsible for the looting, and, supported by the United States Navy, demanded US$43,531 in compensation, to cover Williams' losses, valued at US$5000, and claims by other settlers.
Cakobau retained his position as Fiji's second most senior chief the title of Vunivalu of Bau,and formally ceded the highest and most precedent Chiefly title of Tui Viti or Paramount Chief of Fiji to the person of Her Majesty Queen Victoria which is currently held by her descendant Elizabeth II.
As the animosity intensified, Ratu Tanoa was forced into exile, firstly on Koro Island and then in Somosomo on Taveuni, where he remained until his son, Ratu Seru Cakobau led a coup in 1837, reinstalling his father as Vunivalu until his death in 1852, whereupon Cakobau inherited the title.
This lasted only until 1867, when the Confederacy was split into two units, the Kingdom of Bau (ruled by Cakobau) and the Confederation of Lau (consisting of the present-day provinces of Cakaudrove, Bua, and Lau).
Vodafone Ratu Cakobau Park is a multi-use stadium located in Nausori, Fiji.