The family of late Kano billionaire Alhaji Aminu Dantata faces challenges fulfilling his final wish to be buried in Madina, Saudi Arabia. The 94-year-old business icon, who died Friday in Abu Dhabi, wanted to rest beside his late wife at the holy Al-Baqi Cemetery. However, Saudi Arabia’s weekend closure has stalled the required paperwork.
Dantata’s secretary revealed that Nigerian officials are working to complete death certificates and burial permits, but Saudi offices closed for the weekend before approvals could be finalized. This has forced the family to hold symbolic funeral prayers in Kano while waiting. Islamic tradition encourages quick burials, creating a difficult choice between honoring customs and Dantata’s personal request.
Nigerian diplomats are now urgently contacting Saudi authorities to resolve the issue before Sunday. If the delay continues, the family may bring Dantata’s body back to Kano for burial. The situation shows the complex challenges of arranging international burials while respecting both religious practices and final wishes.
Key Developments:
✔ Final Wish in Limbo: The 94-year-old billionaire had specifically requested burial beside his late wife in Madina’s holy grounds
✔ Weekend Bureaucracy: Saudi Arabia’s Friday-Saturday weekend has frozen approval processes
✔ Contingency Plans: Family may repatriate remains to Kano if delays persist beyond weekend
✔ Islamic Protocols Observed: Ghaib prayers already conducted in Kano with dignitaries in attendance
Behind the Delay:
- Saudi burial approvals require complex documentation
- Federal Government now assisting with diplomatic channels
- Family caught between honoring wishes and Islamic burial timelines
What’s Next?
🔹 Saudi officials resume work Sunday (today)
🔹 Final decision expected within 24 hours
🔹 Kano prepares alternative burial arrangements
STATEMENT FROM FAMILY:
“We’re exhausting all options to fulfill his Madina request, but Islamic burial customs remain our priority” – Mustapha Junaidu (Personal Secretary)
