The final burial of well-known Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, has been pushed to Tuesday following a delay in the arrival of his body to Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Dantata, who passed away on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was earlier scheduled to be laid to rest in Medina on Monday.
However, plans changed at the last minute, forcing a postponement. According to Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, the delay was due to logistical issues involving documentation required by Saudi authorities for burial arrangements.
“There are regulations set by the Saudi government on how to bring a body for burial in the country, so now the paperwork is being filled out between the Saudi government and the family of the deceased,” the minister said.
Idris noted that all necessary documents must be completed before the body can be moved from the UAE to Medina. He also stated that both the Nigerian embassy and Dantata’s family have finalized the funeral plan and are only waiting for the body’s arrival to proceed with the burial.
The late Dantata, who had clearly stated in his will that he wished to be buried in Medina, had his request granted after his family worked with Saudi officials to secure permission.
In the meantime, Islamic clerics in Kano held a special prayer for him called Salatul Gaib, a prayer said in the absence of the deceased. This spiritual gesture is often performed when the body is not present but a community still wishes to pray for the departed.
A high-level Nigerian delegation is already present in Medina to attend the burial. The group includes the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, who is leading the federal government’s team.
Other notable Nigerians who have also arrived in the holy city for the funeral include Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II. Reports also mention that the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, is in Medina as well.
