The family of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the late designer of the Nigerian national flag, has finally laid him to rest after a year-long wait for a promised state funeral that never materialized.
Akinkunmi passed away on September 4, 2023, at the age of 87.
Despite the Federal Government’s promise to honor him with a state funeral, the family grew tired of waiting and decided to proceed with the burial.
Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, a son of the deceased, revealed that the family had waited patiently for the government to fulfill its promise.
However, they had to pay N2,000 daily to keep the body at a morgue.
The Oyo State Government eventually funded the burial rites, which took place from Wednesday to Friday in Ibadan.
Akinkunmi is renowned for designing the Nigerian flag in 1958 at the age of 23.
He received a £100 award for his design, which has become a symbol of Nigerian identity.
The Oyo State Government has urged the Federal Government to give deserved honor to the late Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi.
Acting Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal described Akinkunmi as a national hero and a classic example of a national icon.
He emphasized that the Federal Government should not abdicate its duty to give him the respect and honor he deserves, whether alive or dead.
Lawal spoke at the funeral service held at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, where he noted that Akinkunmi’s contributions to Nigeria’s identity and unity should be celebrated.
He called for a national festival to honor Akinkunmi’s legacy, highlighting the importance of recognizing and honoring national heroes.
