After a year of waiting for a promised state funeral, the family of Nigeria’s national flag designer, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, finally laid the iconic figure to rest in a low-key ceremony, raising questions about broken promises from the federal government. Akinkunmi, who passed away at the age of 87 in 2023, was celebrated for his historic contribution to Nigeria’s identity.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
His burial, organized by the Oyo State government at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, drew a crowd of mourners, including family members, friends, and government officials.
Despite the absence of a state burial, attendees paid tribute to his legacy as the creator of a national symbol that has inspired unity and pride for decades.
The service was officiated by ministers from the Gospel Faith Mission International, but one thing was noticeably absent—a formal recognition from the Nigerian government, which had previously pledged to honor him with a state funeral.
Akinkunmi, affectionately known as “Mr. Flag Man,” designed the Nigerian flag in 1958 and received a mere £100 reward for his now-timeless creation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who had contested the presidency in both the 2019 and 2023 elections, expressed his dismay at the Tinubu administration’s failure to follow through on its commitment. He voiced his frustration on social media, calling it a national disgrace.
Atiku’s reaction followed an emotional interview with Akinkunmi’s son, Akinwumi, who lamented that the family had given up hope on the promised state burial.
In a heartfelt post on X, Atiku wrote, “The former Vice President wrote, “I am immensely disheartened that the Federal Government under Tinubu’s administration has failed to bestow upon the late Michael Akinkunmi, the creator of our national flag, the state burial he was so rightfully promised.
“No other patriot embodies the spirit of honour and sacrifice as profoundly as the revered ‘Mr. Flag Man.’”
