Alexander Merep is the High Chief (ibedul) of Koror in the Republic of Palau.

Alexander Merep
Ibedul of Koror
ReignFebruary 22, 2022 – present
PredecessorYutaka Gibbons

Life

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Merep served as the director of the Koror State Public Land Authority.[1] He held the title rechucher-ra-techekii before being appointed by female Idid members led by Ochob Katey Ngiraked as the new Ibedul.[2] The appointment was accepted by the ngarameketii (traditional chiefs of Koror) on February 22, 2022, and supported by the Koror hamlet chiefs.[2] The title of ibedul is disputed by his sister Bilung Gloria Salii on behalf of her son James Lebuu Littler.[3]

Personal life

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His family are of English, Chinese and royal Palauan descent.[4] He is the brother of the former ibedul of Koror Yutaka Gibbons, Governor of Koror John C. Gibbons and bilung Gloria Salii.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Staff, Island Times (September 20, 2016). "Timely claim filed for Koror Rock Islands for KSPLA by Merep". Island Times. Archived from the original on December 31, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Reklai, Leilani (February 25, 2022). "Ngarameketii accepts Merep as Ibedul". Island Times. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Times, Island (May 17, 2022). "Bilung claims Ibedul is highest title in Palau, rejects Alex as Ibedul". Island Times. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  4. ^ Trumbull, Robert (14 January 1979). "A Former U.S. Army Cook, Now Ruler in. Western Pacific Islands: Leads Foes of Military Bases There". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2021.