Tributes are being paid to Nigeria's former President Ernest Shonekan, who has died at the age of 85.

He was the country's ninth head of state from 26 August until 17 November 1993, when he was ousted in a coup by the late General Sani Abacha.

On Twitter, former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki said he had played "a remarkable role in the development of Nigeria".

In both his public and private capacities, our 9th Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan, played a remarkable role in the development of Nigeria. Through his actions, he always demonstrated a strong commitment to the unity, peace, and prosperity of our great country. pic.twitter.com/yChxrj7Uhd

— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) January 11, 2022

Former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce also paid tribute to Mr Shonekan, saying was a "great man":

Ernest Shonekan is very special to my family. In 1964 he was the lawyer at UAC that gave my father Domino Stores. As chairman of UAC, I would visit him, and he would tell me the challenges he faced that made him decide to close Kingsway stores. Great man. We will miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/si6u5Tc8QY

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) January 11, 2022