Aminu Dantata, one of Nigeria's wealthiest businessmen, will be buried in Saudi Arabia after her death in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
Dantata, a business tycoon of African uncle Aliko Dangote, left behind three wives, 21 children and 121 grandchildren.
His body was transferred from Abu Dhabi to Medina after Saudi authorities approved his funeral in the country.
This is where he wishes to be buried in the city he worships, the place where the prophet Muhammad of Islam lives and dies.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu called Dantata's death “a huge national loss” in a statement.
He said Dantata has made a “contribution of pound” to Nigeria’s growth and development through decades of business, services and philanthropy.
He is famous in Nigeria for his charitable activities. Last year, he donated 1.5 billion naira ($972,000; £710,000) to victims of devastating floods in the northeast Borno state.
His commercial interests span agriculture, real estate, construction and manufacturing.
He first named it in agriculture and began trading Kola Nuts and peanuts in the 1940s.
He comes from a business family – his father, Alhassan Dantata, was once considered the wealthiest person in West Africa.
Despite his wealth, Dantata lives in one of the poorest areas in the northern city of Kano, like his previous parents.
His influence was also felt politically, and politicians were eager to seek blessings before the election.
Video of President Tinob's 2023 elections hit social media.
He held a special prayer for him in Kano, where he spent his whole life.
Two Nigerian governors and defense ministers went to Medina for funerals.
More information about the BBC's Nigeria:
go bbcafrica.com More news about the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @bbcafrica,on Facebook BBC Africa Or on Instagram bbcafraca
BBC Africa Podcast
