Plans to bury late Nigerian billionaire and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, in Medina, Saudi Arabia, have been delayed due to a hold-up in authorisation from Saudi authorities, his family has disclosed.
According to Mustapha Abdullahi Junaidu, secretary to the Dantata family, Saudi officials have not been able to process the required documents because government offices do not operate on weekends.
“We are working diligently to ensure his wishes are met, but the authorities in Saudi do not work during the weekends, so we are finding it difficult to conclude the necessary paperwork,” Junaidu told journalists.
He confirmed that the Nigerian Presidency is assisting with diplomatic efforts to facilitate the burial abroad.
Despite Islamic tradition requiring swift burial, Dantata’s family is still hoping his final wish to be buried in Medina will be honoured. However, Junaidu stressed that if delays persist, the body may be flown back to Kano for interment.
The Kano-born industrialist died Friday night in Abu Dhabi, and a funeral prayer was held in Kano on Saturday afternoon.
