Today, September 16, marks the 15th anniversary of the passing of His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Haruna Abdullahi Maikano (1946 – 2010), the 13th Emir of Wase, Plateau State. The late monarch is fondly remembered as a scholar, reformer, and peacebuilder whose leadership left lasting imprints on the people of Wase Emirate and beyond.
Born in 1946 to the family of HRH Alhaji Abdullahi Maikano, the 12th Emir of Wase, he distinguished himself early in both Islamic and Western education. After obtaining his early schooling in Wase, Pankshin, and Kuru, he advanced to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, earning multiple diplomas and distinctions. He later proceeded to the University of Pittsburgh, USA, where he bagged a Master’s degree, a PhD, and certificates in leadership, innovation, project planning, and evaluation.
Before ascending the throne in 2001, the late Emir built an illustrious career in public service, serving in various capacities across Plateau, Benue, and the Federal Government. His positions included Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government & Community Development; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; Chairman, Local Government Service Commission; and General Manager, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.
Ascending as the 13th Emir of Wase in 2001, HRH Haruna Abdullahi Maikano continued to promote development, peace, and religious harmony. He also served nationally as Vice-President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Vice-Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, and Co-Chairman of the Inter-Religious Council for Peace and Harmony, Plateau State.
During his reign, he received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Lifetime Peace Award by the World Peace & Unity Foundation, and the Distinguished Royal Father in Nigeria Award for Good Governance by Nigeria Media Links.
His death on September 16, 2010, was deeply mourned across Nigeria. A memorial lecture in his honour was later organized by the Gamji Members Association (Jos, 2012), celebrating his enduring legacy.
As the people of Wase and well-wishers commemorate his life, prayers continue to be offered for his soul. May Allah grant him Aljanna Firdausi. Ameen.
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