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Nigerians mourn monarch Oba Okunade Sijuwade in Ife Nigerians mourn monarch Oba Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife
(35 minutes later)
Thousands of people are attending funeral services for a revered monarch in south-west Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, who will be buried privately later. A revered monarch in south-west Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, has been buried after thousands attended his funeral, a mourner has told the BBC.
Traditional rites to honour Oba Okunade Sijuwade - a king of the Yoruba, Nigeria's second biggest ethnic group - are being held in the city of Ife.Traditional rites to honour Oba Okunade Sijuwade - a king of the Yoruba, Nigeria's second biggest ethnic group - are being held in the city of Ife.
Banks and other businesses have been closed, one resident told the BBC. Dignitaries, including Nigeria's Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, paid their respects before the private burial.
The 85-year-old sovereign died in London in July but his death was only announced on Wednesday. The 85-year-old sovereign was crowned in 1980 and was widely respected.
BBC Africa Live: News updates
He died in London in July but his death was only announced on Wednesday.
Analysts say this was not surprising as the royal court first needed to have extensive consultations and begin the search for a successor before the announcement could be made.Analysts say this was not surprising as the royal court first needed to have extensive consultations and begin the search for a successor before the announcement could be made.
He was respected by most Yorubas, who number about 35 million, in south-west Nigeria, Togo and Benin. He was considered the most influential monarch by most Yorubas, who number about 35 million, in south-west Nigeria, Togo and Benin.
The Ooni was said to be the direct descendant of Oduduwa, who is a Yoruba god.The Ooni was said to be the direct descendant of Oduduwa, who is a Yoruba god.
Nigeria's many monarchs vary in hierarchy and importance and some like the Ooni of Ife rule and the northern emirs rule over large areas, while others are traditional rulers of a village or town.Nigeria's many monarchs vary in hierarchy and importance and some like the Ooni of Ife rule and the northern emirs rule over large areas, while others are traditional rulers of a village or town.
'Invaluable contributions''Invaluable contributions'
Oba Sijuwade was a successful businessman at the time he was crowned in 1980 - making much of his money from importing vehicles. Oba Sijuwade was a successful businessman at the time he was crowned - making much of his money from importing vehicles.
Ooni of Ife:Ooni of Ife:
Nigeria's many monarchsNigeria's many monarchs
Banks and businesses in the ancient of Ife have shut.
"We have been told to close to our businesses for seven days," a resident of Ife told the BBC Hausa service."We have been told to close to our businesses for seven days," a resident of Ife told the BBC Hausa service.
Those not attending the four funeral services in the city have been told to stay indoors to show their respects for the monarch and the cultural rites. Those who did not attend the funeral were been told to stay indoors to show their respects for the monarch and the cultural rites.
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari said the traditional ruler would be remembered for his "worthy service and invaluable contributions" to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people.Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari said the traditional ruler would be remembered for his "worthy service and invaluable contributions" to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people.
"Oba Sijuwade had lived a very fulfilled life, and has left worthy legacies for his successors to build upon," he said in a statement."Oba Sijuwade had lived a very fulfilled life, and has left worthy legacies for his successors to build upon," he said in a statement.
Traditional rulers, politicians and other dignitaries are expected to be attending the Christian funeral services. Only those directly connected to the royal family attended the burial at the palace.
Only those directly connected to the royal family can attend the burial.
The Ooni of Ife, a southern Christian, was a close friend of one of Nigeria's most revered Muslims leaders from the north, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.The Ooni of Ife, a southern Christian, was a close friend of one of Nigeria's most revered Muslims leaders from the north, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
Lagos-based journalist Sola Odunfa says his relations with the late Emir helped bring about peace and stability between the country's two main religious communities.Lagos-based journalist Sola Odunfa says his relations with the late Emir helped bring about peace and stability between the country's two main religious communities.