Family Finally Lays Nigerian Flag Designer to Rest After Year-Long Futile Wait for FG Promises

The family of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the late designer of the Nigerian national flag, has finally laid him to rest after waiting for over a year for the Federal Government’s promised state funeral, which never materialized.

Pa Akinkunmi, who passed away on September 4, 2023, at the age of 87, had been slated for a state funeral in recognition of his iconic contribution to the nation. However, with the government failing to fulfill its promise, the family decided to move forward with the burial.

Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, son of the deceased, disclosed that the family had endured a long wait, hoping for the government’s commitment to be honored. He revealed that they had been paying N2,000 daily to preserve the body in a morgue, adding to the family’s emotional and financial strain.

The burial rites, funded by the Oyo State Government, commenced on Wednesday and concluded on Friday in Ibadan. The state’s intervention helped bring closure to the family after the protracted wait for federal support.

Born on May 10, 1936, in Ibadan, Pa Akinkunmi gained national recognition in 1958 after his design for the Nigerian flag was chosen, earning him a £100 award. Despite this, the family expressed disappointment over the Federal Government’s apparent disregard for honoring him in death.

During the funeral service held at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State’s Acting Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, called on the Federal Government to ensure Pa Akinkunmi receives the recognition he deserves as a national hero.

“The celebration of the life of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, who designed the Nigerian flag 64 years ago at the age of 23, should be a national festival,” Lawal stated, urging the government to not overlook its responsibility in giving due respect to the late icon.

He emphasized that Pa Akinkunmi’s legacy transcends regional affiliations, marking him as a symbol of national pride.

The family, along with well-wishers and dignitaries, bid farewell to a man whose contribution to the nation’s identity will be remembered for generations to come.