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The emir of Kano, one of Nigeria's most revered Muslim leaders and a vocal critic of the Islamist Boko Haram militants, has died, aged 83.

Al-Haji Ado Bayero, on the throne of the northern city of Kano since 1963, died after a long illness.He was the longest-serving emir in Kano's history and sought to reduce tensions with Nigeria's Christians.Last year, he survived an attack on his convoy by suspected Boko Haram fighters.

'Peace builder'

He will be buried after Friday prayers in Kano, according to Islamic tradition.Tens of thousands of people, including dignitaries from across Nigeria, are expected to attend despite the short notice.

BBC Nigeria analyst Aliyu Tanko says he was regarded as a peacemaker and sought to ease tensions between the different ethnic and religious groups in Kano, and Nigeria.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Mohamed Sa'ad Abubakar is considered the spiritual leader of all Nigeria's Muslims, but given his long reign, Ado Bayero, had more respect, our correspondent says.

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.He had recently returned home from London where he had been receiving treatment.

Before he ascended to the throne, he worked as a banker, police officer, parliamentarian and diplomat; he was also a successful businessman.

The emir's driver and two guards were killed when suspected Boko Haram fighters tried to assassinate him in January 2013.

Boko Haram has accused traditional rulers of being too close to the political elite - just last week the emir of Gwoza was killed by suspected militants in the north-east.

Correspondents say Nigeria's traditional leaders hold few constitutional powers, but are able to exert significant influence especially in the mainly Muslim north where they are seen as custodians of both religion and tradition.