The family of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the late designer of Nigeria’s national flag, has laid him to rest after waiting over a year for a promised state funeral that never materialized.
Akinkunmi, who passed away on September 4, 2023, at the age of 87, was originally supposed to receive a state burial from the Federal Government, but after months of delay, his family took matters into their own hands.
Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, one of the sons of the deceased, expressed the family’s disappointment, revealing that they had been paying 2,000 Naira daily to keep the late patriot’s body in a morgue, hoping the government would fulfil its promise.
However, after enduring the extended wait, the family decided to move forward with the funeral.
The Oyo State Government stepped in to fund the burial rites, which commenced on Wednesday and concluded on Friday in Ibadan, the late Akinkunmi’s birthplace.
Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, born on May 10, 1936, is renowned for designing the Nigerian national flag in 1958.
His iconic design, a green and white flag, was chosen in a national competition, and he was awarded £100 for his contribution to the nation’s identity.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has urged the Federal Government to give Akinkunmi the honor he deserves, reflecting his legacy as the creator of a key national symbol.
The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, said, “the celebration of the death of an iconic figure like 87year old Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi who designed the Nigerian flag 64years ago at the age of 23 should be a national festival.
“The fact that Pa Akinkunmi belongs to this part of the country does not detract from his recognition as a national hero.”
The acting governor said this at the funeral service held in honour of the late Icon at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan.
According to him, Pa Akinkunmi represents the classic example of a national Icon and the Federal Government should not abdicate its duty to give him deserved respect and honour, whether alive or dead.
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