In a poignant fulfillment of his lifelong desire, Nigerian business magnate and revered philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, was laid to rest in the sacred city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, this Tuesday afternoon. His final journey from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), was personally overseen by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, who was present as the body arrived.
Sanusi Dantata, the deceased’s son, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that his father’s remains reached Madinah safely this morning. He detailed that the Janazah prayer would take place at the Holy Prophet’s Mosque after the Asr prayer (around 1:30 pm Nigeria time), with interment following shortly thereafter at the historic Baqiyya cemetery.
While initially scheduled for Monday, the burial was delayed to resolve documentation issues. Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that all necessary arrangements were now complete, paving the way for Tuesday’s ceremony. A video shared by Sanusi showed a solemn Dangote, a great-nephew of Alhaji Dantata, alongside fellow prominent businessman Femi Otedola, highlighting the gravity of the occasion.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who passed away on Saturday, was a towering figure in the Nigerian industry and the patriarch of the influential Dantata business dynasty.
Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria and the global business community, recognizing his profound contributions to commerce, extensive philanthropy and commitment to Islamic causes. His burial in Madinah marks a significant moment, honoring a life dedicated to both worldly achievements and spiritual aspirations.
