When is achebes burial

Relatives of the "father of modern African literature" as well as officials were at southern Nigeria's Enugu airport as Achebe's coffin was lowered from the plane. He was then taken to a stadium in Awka, where some 2, people had gathered and the Anglican archbishop of Anambra prayed over his body. Achebe is to be buried Thursday in his hometown of Ogidi on his family compound in a ceremony expected to be attended by fellow writers, local officials, foreign dignitaries and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

He refused again a second time, in , saying: "The reasons for rejecting the offer when it was first made have not been addressed, let alone solved. But this time the author was in no position to resist the state honours being conferred on him.

President Jonathan reminded funeral attendees of the author's criticisms of politicians and corruption. After the singing, the long speeches and prayers, this was a moment about which many had been holding their breath. The problem is the political leadership," he said, waving a copy of the novel. A toe-curling pause followed and Achebe's family looked on with unreadable expressions.

Jonathan went on to read a passage that highlighted the political corruption and manipulation that had afflicted the African oil giant since independence. Ghana's president, John Mahama, seated beside Jonathan, waved as his own name was read out among a long list of political dignitaries. Whether people across Africa agree or whether, once again, Achebe may have slyly exposed a ruling elite is a question for history.

Still, only the most hardened cynic could fail to have been moved by some of the celebrations of Achebe's life. For days, young people have marched in the sweltering heat with banners commemorating the author. The writer and academic went on to write more than 20 works - some fiercely critical of politicians and what he described as a failure of leadership in Nigeria. He had been living in the US since after a car crash left him partially paralysed and in a wheelchair, returning to Nigeria infrequently.

Although people have been mourning, the life of the influential Nigerian writer was also being celebrated, our reporter says. Nigerian author Chinua Achebe dies. Chinua Achebe: Obituary. Igbo burials: How Nigeria will bid farewell to Achebe. Achebe publishes Biafran memoir. Chinua Achebe: A hero returns. Achebe: Oral tradition not needed. Nigeria author wins Booker honour.