 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 Epenisa Cakobau led a coup in 1837, reinstalling his father as Vunivalu until his death in 1852, whereupon Cakobau inherited the title.He had 9 wives (6 of whom were strangled to death in December 1852); amongst his issue were Ratu Tubuanakoro and Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau.It was before his exile that Tanoa was named Tanoa "Visawaqa" for his bloody campaign and slaying of the Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Raiwalui, he set fire to the War Canoes of the warriors of the Roko Tui Bau, and was thereafter called Tanoa — "Burner of boats", or figuratively, "excessive killer" — even though Ratu Naulivou sent his brother Tanoa on the mission to punish the Roko Tui Bau and his followers he did not expect the bloodbath that would follow, and Tanoa's actions greatly worried his brother.