Governors, eminent politicians, and leading industrialists, including Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, joined the families in bidding farewell to renowned business icon, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who was buried yesterday in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

He died in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. He was 94.

The remains of the late business mogul arrived earlier in the day and were interred at the historic Baqiyya cemetery after Asr (evening) prayer, fulfilling his lifelong wish of being laid to rest in one of Islam’s holiest cities.

Footage on social media shows the atmosphere in Madinah was solemn yet reflective of a life well-lived, as prayers resonated through the Holy Mosque and the funeral cortege moved towards Baqiyya cemetery under tight but respectful security, attended by hundreds of mourners.

Alhaji Dantata was one of Nigeria’s most prominent industrialists and patriarch of the famed Dantata business dynasty.

His burial in Madinah marked the final journey of a man whose generosity, business acumen and vision shaped generations and strengthened Nigeria’s global economic standing.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf; his Jigawa State counterpart, Umar Namadi and the 15th and the 16th Emirs of Kano, alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II joined the family to honour the late elder statesman.

Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar led the Federal Government’s delegation. He was accompanied by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, his Information , counterpart, Mohammed Idris, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. Abdullahi Atah and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau .

Former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje; former Governor of Jigawa State, Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu and Chairman of the House of Reps Committee on Constitution Review, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, were also in attendance.

In a rare and highly symbolic gesture, Saudi authorities allowed Governor Abba Yusuf; Governor Umar Namadi and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to view the body and offer a final prayer before the Janaza.

The gesture was described as “a rare honour befitting a man of immense spiritual and social stature.”

Governor Yusuf, told reporters after the burial: “This is a deeply emotional moment for all of us. Alhaji Aminu Dantata was more than a businessman; he was a father figure, a philanthropist, and a guiding light for generations of Nigerians. We pray that Allah grants him the highest rank in Jannatul Firdaus.”

Namadi, who spoke from the Prophet’s Mosque after the funeral prayer, added that: “On behalf of the government and people of Jigawa State, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family and the entire people of Kano. May Almighty Allah dwell his soul in the most peaceful part of Paradise.”

The late industrialist’s son, Sanusi , confirmed on his X account that his father’s body arrived safely in Madinah, accompanied from Abu Dhabi by Dangote, who personally escorted the remains alongside Otedola.

“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 1.30 p.m. Nigeria time). May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant safe return to the family, friends, and well-wishers who travelled to attend the Janazah in Saudi,” Sanusi stated.

Earlier, the delegation visited the family’s residence at Mobeed Hotel in Madinah to deliver their condolences personally, before proceeding for the funeral rites.

In an emotional moment, Muhammadu Sanusi II, led a special prayer for the late industrialist, highlighting his lifelong commitment to philanthropy, community development and commerce.

He remembered the late Dantata as “a beacon of generosity, faith, and vision whose impact extended well beyond business into the heart of society.”

“His life was a reflection of humility and service. Today, we witness the respect and love he earned in his lifetime. His memory will live on, not only through his family but also through the institutions and people he touched.”

Eldest son of the deceased, Tajuddeen , expressed profound gratitude for the presence of the dignitaries, describing it as a testament to the love and respect his late father commanded across Nigeria and beyond.

Dangote and Femi Otedola both thanked the delegation for standing by the family in their moment of loss.

Otedola, who has long regarded Alhaji Aminu Dantata as a mentor and elder statesman, described his passing as “a monumental loss to Nigeria’s business community and to all who value integrity and vision in leadership.”

Among other dignitaries in attendance were Chairman of the Kano Business Community, Sabiu Bako; Emir of Karaye, Muhammad Mahraz; prominent business leaders from across Nigeria; and religious scholars who paid tribute to Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s generosity, humility and contributions to Islamic causes. (The Nation)