Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, a distinguished Nigerian businessman, industrialist, and elder statesman, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2024, in Abu Dhabi at the age of 94. Prior to his demise, Dantata had openly expressed a profound sense of detachment from worldly life, stating he no longer found joy and was prepared to depart in peace and faith. In a poignant 2022 meeting with then All Progressives Congress (APC) vice-presidential candidate Kashim Shettima, Dantata reflected on outliving most of his peers and close associates. He sought forgiveness from anyone he might have wronged during his lifetime and, in turn, extended full forgiveness to all who had wronged him, conveying a deep emotional reflection on his remaining family members as he awaited his time.

Despite his personal readiness for the afterlife, Dantata remained steadfast in his prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and divine guidance, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the nation. His calm demeanor and spiritual disposition during these reflections left a lasting impression on those present, including officials who visited him as part of consultations for the 2023 elections. His long-standing wish was to be laid to rest in the sacred city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, a wish that was ultimately fulfilled.

Following his passing, Saudi Arabian authorities granted approval for the transportation of Alhaji Dantata's remains from Abu Dhabi to Madinah. The funeral prayer, or Janazah, was scheduled to be held at Masjid an-Nabawi (the Holy Prophet’s Mosque) on Monday, July 1, 2024. He was laid to rest beside his late wife, Rabi’a Dantata, who passed away in 2023, underscoring the spiritual significance of the chosen burial site for the revered patriarch.

A high-powered Nigerian delegation, reflecting the immense national and international regard for Alhaji Aminu Dantata, traveled to Saudi Arabia for the funeral. The Federal Government delegation was led by the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, and included prominent figures such as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Honourable Yusuf Abdullahi Ata. Additionally, respected Islamic clerics, including Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, and Khalifa Abdullahi Muhammad, the Imam of Dantata Mosque in Abuja, were part of the federal contingent. Nigerian Consulate General officials in Jeddah, led by Ambassador Muazzam Ibrahim Nayaya, coordinated the funeral arrangements with Saudi authorities.

Parallel to the federal representation, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State led a high-level state delegation to Madinah. This delegation included the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II; Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Umar Namadi; and former Jigawa Governor, Barrister Ali Saad Birnin Kudu, among other top northern dignitaries. Their presence highlighted the profound regional and national significance of Dantata’s legacy, with Governor Yusuf describing him as