Nigerian author Chinua Achebe 'has died'

Renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe has died, the spokesman for the Anambra state government has said.

His home state of Anambra, in south-eastern Nigeria, was in mourning for its "illustrious son", the spokesman, Mike Udah, told the BBC.

Mr Achebe, 82, was most famous for his ground breaking 1958 novel Things Fall Apart, which dealt with the impact of colonialism on African society.

He had been living in the US since 1990 following injuries from a car crash.

Things Fall Apart has sold more than 10 million copies - and has been translated into more than 50 languages.

It focuses on the traditions of Igbo society and the clash between Western and traditional values.

Mr Udah is the spokesman for Anambra state governor Peter Obi.

Analysts say in Igbo society the death of an important person must be announced by someone in authority.

BBC