Nigerian Flag Designer’s Family Buries Him After FG’s Failed Promise

The late Sir Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian flag, will be buried today, September 6, in Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital.

Akinkunmi’s family was compelled to carry out his burial after waiting a year for the promised state funeral.

Akinkunmi, who died at the age of 87 on September 4, 2023, was intended to be honored with a state funeral by the federal government.

“We have to give him the befitting burial he deserves,” his son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi, told BBC Focus on Africa.

Akinwumi stated that the family had patiently waited for the government to keep its promise, but as the months passed, it became evident that no arrangements were being made.

The family has been paying N2,000 a day to retain the body at a morgue, he disclosed to the BBC.

For this reason, the government of Oyo State made the decision to intervene and pay for the flag designer’s funeral ceremonies.

The funeral plans for Akinkunmi were started on Wednesday, September 4, and they will conclude in Oyo State’s capital city of Ibadan on Friday, September 6, 2024.

According to his son, the family is still waiting on word from the government regarding their father’s burial, as promised.

“While the family is waiting for the government to fulfil its promises, it appreciates the roles played by members of the 7th Oyo State House of Assembly, the Chairman, Oyo State Advisory Council, Bolaji Ayorinde, and members of the council for standing by the family,” he stated.

Akinwumi told the BBC that in June, they discovered that the arts ministry’s National Institute for Cultural Orientation was in charge of organizing a state funeral.

Despite an initial phone contact, the institution has not communicated or made any more progress.

Akinwumi is concerned that waiting longer will dishonor his father’s memory.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli