His predecessor, Atamu Tekena, ceded Easter Island to Chile (represented by Captain Policarpo Toro) on 9 September 1888. However, the treaty of annexation was never ratified by Chile and Toro's colony failed. The Chilean government abandoned the settlement in 1892 due to political troubles on the mainland, which was embroiled in civil war, and this prompted the Rapa Nui to reassert their independence. Like his predecessor, Riro ruled under a council of native leaders and the influence of the Catholic Church (represented by Angata and other native catechists). He also appointed his opponent Ika as his prime minister.