Funeral Held For MJ In Krindjabo

The village of Krindjabo have been mourning the death of the man they titled Prince Michael Amalaman Anoh since his death on June 25. Villiagers appealed unsuccessfully to have his body returned and decided that Michael needs a proper burial according to the customs in the Sanwi Kingdom.

The village's football field was transformed into a green square, surrounded by tents filled with around 1,000 people from the village and surrounding areas to formally say goodbye to Michael Jackson.

Organizer of the event, Emmanuel Kassy Kofi said that they appealed through international media and the US embassy in Abidjan for Michael's body to be returned. Michael was enthroned as king-in-waiting and should normally be laid to rest in a river.

"If for example the Americans or his family permitted for us to bring the body here we'd do what needs to be done," Mr Kofi said. "We asked for the body - it's for us. It was Michael Jackson himself who tested his DNA and said it'd be good to find his family. "And by certain signs the King also recognized certain signs that he was part of the dynasty. And the royal seat that the king's sitting on - Michael Jackson sat on it too."

Organizers of the event say that Michael's spirit is already there and will be put to rest.

The entire village is in mourning until Sunday when the successor to Prince Michael Jackson Amalaman Anoh will be announced. Parties and memorials will continue throughout the night.

Source: MJFC / BBC News