Before being annexed by Great Britain in 1874, how many people had ruled over the Kingdom of Fiji?

In 1871, Seru Epenisa Cakobau (1815-1883), a former cannibal, who converted to Christianity, created a united Fijian kingdom and set up a constitutional monarchy. He had originally proclaimed himself King after succeeding his father as Vunivalu of Bau (Warlord/Chief of Bau) in 1852, but other chiefs in the country refused to accept him.

Despite defeating his enemies at the Battle of Kaba in 1855, Cakobau only achieved control over six of the fourteen provinces. With the help of foreigners, predominantly British, Cakobau gradually gained control of the remaining provinces and declared himself King of Fiji in 1871.

Cakobau enlisted many British missionaries as his advisors, who helped him protect the country from the American government that threatened to annex Fiji. Fearing this, Cakobau begged his advisors to make Fiji part of the British Empire, but they initially refused. After much more begging, the British understood the danger the Fijian's faced if attacked by America. Many natives had converted to Christianity and turned away from cannibalism, but the British feared they would revert if faced with potential war and slavery.

On 10th October 1874, Cakobau handed his war club to the British Crown, effectively making Fiji part of the British Empire. No longer the King, Cakobau retained his position as Fiji's second most senior chief but lived relatively quietly until his death in 1883. Fiji belonged to the British Crown until 1970.