The late Kano billionaire and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, was laid to rest on Saturday in Madina, Saudi Arabia.
Amidst curiosity about why the remains of the elder statesman were not returned to Nigeria and buried in Kano, his home state, PM News quoted a family source as revealing that Dantata had left a will stating his wish to be buried next to his late wife, Rabi Dantata, who died in 2023.
Naija News reports that Dantata passed away at the age of 94. His demise was announced on Saturday by his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid.
He has been flown to Saudi Arabia, where his remains are being prepared for burial in the holy city of Mecca, according to family sources.
Meanwhile, the Kano Council of Ulamas has declared that a Janazah prayer known as Salatu Ghaib will be held in his honour in absentia in remembrance of his extraordinary life and legacy. The Umar bn Khathab Mosque in Dangi, Kano State, will host the special Islamic prayer that is offered when the deceased’s body is not physically present.
Dantata, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), following a brief illness, was well-known for his business savvy and charitable contributions.
His passing has prompted memorials from all over Nigeria and beyond, with many people remembering his contributions to community development, education and commerce.
Dantata’s Late Wife
Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata and late Wife, Hajiya Rabi
Naija News recalls that Dantata’s wife, Rabi, who was popularly addressed as Mama Rabi, died in 2023 at a hospital in Saudi Arabia while receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.
One of the deceased’s grandsons, Sunusi Dantata, confirmed her passing via his verified 𝕏 account at the time.
“Please pray for our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Haj. Rabi, wife of Alh. Aminu Dantata, who died yesterday (Saturday),” Sunusi wrote.
It is worth noting that Rabi was the second wife of Alhaji Dantata.
At the time she died, she was survived by her aged husband, five children and many grandchildren.
Among the children are Tajjuddeen Dantata, Batulu Dantata, Hafsa Dantata, Jamila Dantata and Aliya Dantata.
The post Why Kano Billionaire, Aminu Dantata Was Buried In Saudi Arabia appeared first on Naija News.