Baiteke
| Baiteke | |
|---|---|
| Uea of Abemama | |
"Tem Baiteke. King of Apemama" Handley Bathurst Sterndale | |
| Reign | c. 1850 – 1878 |
| Predecessor | Tewaia |
| Successor | Binoka |
| Issue | Binoka Timon |
| House | Tuangaona |
| Father | Tewaia (official) Karotu (biological) |
| Mother | Teaa |
Baiteke (r. 1850–1878) was the third ruler of the Kingdom of Abemama. Forced to confront growing European influence, Baiteke ordered every foreigner in his kingdom killed, closed his borders, and limited trade to a single port. With firearms bought from the Europeans, Baiteke easily suppressed rebellions. He established a stratified society with his family at the top. In 1878, he abdicated in favour of his eldest son, Binoka.