[6] The Customary Council of Ministers enjoys a certain level of official recognition from the government of France[6] under the 1961 treaty signed by Tomasi Kulimoetoke II which made Wallis and Futuna a French overseas territory (Territoire d'Outre-Mer).
Two main feuding royal families of Wallis had been engaged in a behind the scenes fight for the previous three years to secure the throne of Uvea.
[6] Ultimately, after months of deliberations, the traditional Council of Ministers announced in mid July 2008 that Kapiliele Faupala would become the new King of Wallis (Uvea).
[3] His coronation took place in Mata-Utu, the capital of Wallis and Futuna, on the main grounds of Malae Sagato Soane and gathered more than 2,000 persons.
[6] The coronation ended several days of formal traditional Wallisian celebrations, which included a kava ceremony and the presentation of gifts to the new King.
[6] Other New Caledonian political and traditional figures, such as the Chairman of South Province Philippe Gomès and the High Chief of Lifou Island, Evanes Boula, also attended Faupala's coronation on invitation.
[6] The New Caledonian delegation was careful not to become involved with the internal Wallisian royal succession dispute, with Didier Leroux saying "We were invited to attend the ceremonies.