Emir of Wase dies at 64

The traditional ruler who died at the Jos of University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for a yet-to-be-disclosed ailment was said to be preparing to be flown abroad when he died in the early hours of Friday morning. The news of his death came as a shock to many as people were not aware that the late […]

The traditional ruler who died at the Jos of University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for a yet-to-be-disclosed ailment was said to be preparing to be flown abroad when he died in the early hours of Friday morning.

The news of his death came as a shock to many as people were not aware that the late Emir had been at a hospital.

His remains were taken from the hospital to Wase for burial yesterday according to Islamic rites.

 The convoy left Jos at about 10 am.

Many, especially from his domain, were on hand to convey the corpse.

The whole of Wase stood still as people came out to catch a glimpse of the body of the late Emir before it was committed to mother earth.

The remains of the Emir was finally interred a few minutes after 3:00pm amidst tears at his family residence near the palace where he had held sway as the paramount ruler of his emirate.

The prayers were said by the Chief Imam of Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Babanliya.

Despite the sudden burial arrangement, the usually quiet town of Wase came alive with the influx of dignitaries who had come to pay their last respect.

 Alhaji Maikano’s burial was well attended as people from all parts of the state and the country came to pay their last respect.

Many traditional rulers and government officials were in Wase to witness the burial of the late Emir.

 Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Gregory Yenlong.

Traditional rulers who turned up to pay their last respect include the Gbong Gwom Jos , Da Jacob Gyang Buba, Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Mustapha Agwai, Emir of Dass,  Alhaji usman Biliyaminu Usman, Emir of Keffi,  Chindo Yamusa,  and that of Awe.

Traditional rulers form Plateau State who were in Wase for the burial include the Ngolong Ngas, Joshua Dimlong ,the  Long Gamai , Sir Hubert Sheldas, the  Long Tehl, and the Emir of Kanam.

Other dignitaries included former governor of Plateau State, Chief Fidelis Tapgun, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, commissioner for water resources and that of special duties,  Idi Waziri, and Alhaji Ibrahim Saleh among others.

Governor Jang, through the state commissioner for information, Gregory Yenlong, described the late emir as a peacemaker, saying the state will miss him greatly for his role in bringing peace to the state.

 Jang recalled that the late emir was working with the state government on peace building both as the vice-chairman of the JNI in the state and as the co chairman of the state’s inter-religious council.

 He said the traditional ruler’s death has created a vacuum that will be hard to fill.

The state governor added that in a few days time, the state government would deploy machinery to ensure that his successor emerges. The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da  Jacob  Gyang Buba, described the late emir as a friend and brother and  prayed God to  grant him eternal rest, saying the Plateau State Joint Tradition Council would miss him greatly.

Former Governor of Plateau State, Amb. Fidelis Tapgun also described the late emir as a peacemaker, saying he worked hard for the restoration of peace in the state most especially by ensuring his domain was not affected  by crisis.

The Emir of Bauchi, on his part, said the late Emir would be missed by all especially his fellow traditional rulers who appreciated his contribution at their meetings.

The Archbishop of Shendam Catholic Diocese, Bishop James Daman, also described him as a peacemaker and prayed for his soul.

Chairman-elect of Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Zakari, said the late Emir was a father to him as he grew up in his house, adding that his role as a peacemaker came to the fore when he ensured there was no crisis in his domain during the crisis that rocked the southern part of the state some years back.

The late Emir attended Junior Primary School, Wase in his early life. He later bagged a Diploma at the Institute of Administration, ABU, Zaria  in 1969.

He was at the University of Pittsburg, USA, where he obtained a master’s degree in public administration in 1980 and a Ph.d in 1984.

He was chairman, Plateau State Local Government Area pension board and later general manger, federal mortgage bank between 1992 to 2001.