The political vacuum left by the ousting of Talakaifaiki was immediately filled by Savea, who was unanimously nominated as paramount ruler of 'Upolu, Savai'i, Manono and Tutuila.
In 1974 King Malietoa Tanumafili II attended the national convention and congratulated work on construction of a Bahá'í center and KVZK-2 recorded a series of three 15-minute programs to be broadcast as part of its daily show Talosaga.
Safotulafai is always consulted by Malie village (Tuamasaga) in conjunction with Manono (Aiga-i-le-Tai) in the election of Malietoa title-holders.
The people of Atua experienced the same fate when the newly refurbished Matā‘afa-Malietoa fleets from Manono and Fa'asaleleaga invaded the coastal villages of Tamasese’s allies in Falefā, Faleapuna, Lufilufi and Sāluafata.
In 1869, Talavou was conferred the Malietoa title by the majority of the districts (Faasalelega, Manono, parts of Tuamasaga to Mulinu'u. This included people from Leulumoega and Lufilufi) all of whom were against Laupepa's claim to the Malietoa title.
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.