Reports from Fiji say the Naitasiri paramount chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, says the military commander and interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, must apologise before a planned meeting with tribal leaders.
Fijilive reports that a military spokesman, Major Neumi Leweni, has in return asked Ratu Inoke to justify his demand for an apology.
The military commander suspended the Great Council of Chiefs last year after it refused to support his post-coup claim that he was the president.
Ratu Inoke is hesitant to attend a meeting in two weeks when the interim regime wants to tell the chiefs what is planned to return Fiji to democratic rule.
Last year, Ratu Inoke was released on bail after beginning serving a life sentence for inciting the November 2000 army mutiny amid at killing Commodore Bainimarama.
The court of appeal ordered a retrial.