He was the son of Fiatau Penitala Teo who was appointed as the first Governor General of Tuvalu (1978–1986) following independence from Great Britain.

[4] Samuelu Teo himself served as the Acting Governor-General of Tuvalu from January until 28 September 2021.

[5][6] He had succeeded Acting Governor-General Teniku Talesi[7] and remained in office until the Rev.

He was the Minister for Natural Resources in the governments led by Faimalaga Luka (2001) and Koloa Talake (2001–2002).

[12][13][14] The 2015 election was strongly contested with six candidates including the two incumbent MPs (Vete Sakaio and Fauoa Maani) and three former MPs (Tomu Sione, Tavau Teii and Teo).