Nigerian Dignitaries and Business Leaders Attend Aminu Dantata’s Burial in Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a revered Nigerian business mogul and elder statesman, was laid to rest on Tuesday in the sacred city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The solemn ceremony, held in line with his final wishes, drew an esteemed delegation from the Nigerian Federal Government, leading business figures, state governors, and traditional rulers.
Dantata passed away at the age of 94 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. His remains arrived in Madinah on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his son, Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata, and his nephew, Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, alongside other family members.
Federal Government Representation
A high-powered federal delegation, which departed Nigeria late Sunday and arrived in Madinah by Monday morning, was present to honor the late statesman. The delegation was led by the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.
Other top officials included:
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Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN – Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
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Alhaji Mohammed Idris – Minister of Information and National Orientation
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Honourable Yusuf Abdullahi Ata – Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development
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Hassan Abdullahi – Director of Internal Security, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), representing the NSA
Religious and Diplomatic Dignitaries
Prominent Islamic scholars accompanied the delegation, including:
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Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar
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Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa
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Khalifa Abdullahi Muhammad, Imam of Dantata Mosque in Abuja
Officials from Nigeria’s Consulate General in Jeddah were also in attendance. Ambassador Ibrahim Moddibbo led the diplomatic corps, accompanied by Ambassador Muazzam Ibrahim Nayaya and Defence Attaché, Major General Adamu Hassan, who coordinated much of the burial logistics.
High-Profile Attendance
The burial attracted a notable gathering of Nigerian dignitaries. Among them were Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin and former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. The Governors of Kano and Jigawa States, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf and Alhaji Umar Namadi, respectively, also paid their respects.
Business magnate Alhaji Aliko Dangote led close relatives and associates in honoring the memory of the family patriarch. Royal presence was marked by the attendance of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II and Emir Aminu Ado Bayero of Kano.
Final Resting Place in Madinah
Following Janāʾizah (funeral) prayers held after Maghrib (sunset) at the Prophet’s Mosque, Alhaji Aminu Dantata was laid to rest in the revered Al-Baqi Cemetery—an honor reserved for a few.