Emir of Kano Ado Bayero dies: Nigeria mourns at palace funeral

Ado Bayero was a successful businessman and had worked as a banker, police officer, MP and diplomat

Tens of thousands of people have gathered for the funeral for the emir of Kano, one of Nigeria's most prominent and revered Muslim leaders.

Al-Haji Ado Bayero, on the throne in the northern city since 1963, died after a long illness at the age of 83.

He was the longest-serving emir in Kano's history and sought to reduce tensions with Nigeria's Christians.

He was also a critic of Boko Haram and survived an assassination attempt last year blamed on the Islamist group.

During the emir's 50 years on the throne, Nigeria has experienced a great deal of turmoil with military coups and unrest but he always stayed out of politics. 

The announcement of his death was made by palace officials on Friday morning - and thousands of people have since been pouring into the city, gathering in the grounds of the emir's palace.

Every year at the end of Ramadan, the emir (R) oversaw a three-day royal horse parade 

 

Emirs, dignitaries and politician from across the country are also attending.

After open-air prayers are held at the palace, a funeral cortege will make its way to the emir's private home, where he will be buried.