Africa’s wealthiest businessman, Aliko Dangote, was present as the remains of Nigerian industrialist and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, arrived in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, where he will be buried later on Tuesday.
The late Dantata, who passed away on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will be laid to rest in Madinah, a city held in high regard by Muslims worldwide. This final resting place was a personal wish of the late business icon, which his family worked hard to fulfill.
On Tuesday morning, Dantata’s son, Sanusi Dantata, shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that his father’s remains had successfully arrived in Madinah. He also noted that Dangote personally accompanied the body from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia.
“The body has arrived in Madinah this morning, and the Janazah prayer will be held at the Holy Prophet’s mosque after the Asr prayer (around 1:30pm Nigeria time),” Sanusi wrote. “May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant safe return to the family, friends, and well-wishers who traveled to attend the Janazah in Saudi.”
He added that the burial would take place at the Baqiyya cemetery shortly after the Janazah prayer. The cemetery, located close to the Prophet’s Mosque, is one of the most respected burial grounds in the Islamic world.
Earlier plans had the funeral taking place on Monday. However, the schedule was pushed to Tuesday due to some documentation delays involving the Nigerian embassy and the family of the deceased.
Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, who is part of the official Nigerian delegation in Saudi Arabia, noted that all issues were resolved in time for the Tuesday burial.
A short video clip posted online showed Dangote seated alongside fellow businessman Femi Otedola. Both appeared deeply reflective as they waited for the final rites to begin.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata was not only a major name in Nigeria’s business history but also a strong supporter of humanitarian and Islamic efforts. He was widely known for his generosity and leadership in business, and his death has drawn reactions from various communities within Nigeria and abroad.
Dantata was also a relative of Aliko Dangote, being his great-uncle. His legacy is deeply tied to the growth of Nigerian commerce and the Dantata family name, which is associated with trade, construction, and philanthropy over several decades.
Sanusi Dantata noted that had the clearance from Saudi officials not been granted in time, the family had made alternative plans to bury him in Kano, Nigeria.
However, with successful coordination of the travel and religious arrangements, the family is now able to fulfill Dantata’s wish to be buried in the holy city of Madinah.
