Why Family Of Nigeria’s Flag Designer, Taiwo Akinkunmi Buried Him After A Year-Long Wait

The family of Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s national flag, has buried him after waiting for a year for a state funeral that never happened.

Taiwo Akinkunmi passed away on September 4, 2023, at the age of 87, and was supposed to receive a state funeral from the Federal Government.

Speaking on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Akinkunmi’s family said they were forced to proceed with his burial after a year-long wait for the promised state funeral.

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

Akinwumi Akinkunmi said that the family waited patiently for the government to fulfill its promise, but as time passed, it became evident that no plans were in place.

He also shared with the BBC that the family has been paying N2,000 daily to keep Akinkunmi’s body in a morgue.

Because of this situation, the Oyo State Government decided to step in and help fund the burial arrangements for the flag designer.

In August, it was reported that a three-day burial ceremony for Akinkunmi would begin on Wednesday, September 4, and end on Friday, September 6, 2024, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

In a statement, Akinkunmi’s son said the family still hopes to hear from the government about the promised state funeral.

“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 said.

Akinwumi also told the BBC that in June, the National Institute for Cultural Orientation under the arts ministry was supposed to organize the state funeral.

However, after one initial phone call, there was no further communication or progress from the institute.

Akinwumi Akinkunmi expressed concerns that further delays would disrespect his father’s memory.

“My late father was an easy-going person who didn’t want anything to tarnish his image,” he told the BBC.

“He was well brought up, he was a very intelligent man and a good person that everyone wanted to associate with.”

Born on May 10, 1936, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Taiwo Akinkunmi is best known for designing the Nigerian flag in 1958, a design that won him a £100 prize.

KanyiDaily recalls that Taiwo Akinkunmi died last year at age of 87.