The family of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, 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, who passed away on September 4, 2023, at the age of 87, was supposed to be honored with a state funeral by the Federal Government, but the family grew tired of waiting and decided to proceed with the burial.
Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, a son of the deceased, said the family had waited patiently for the government to fulfil its promise.
He revealed that the family has been paying N2,000 a day to keep the body at a morgue.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Government funded the burial rites which started on Wednesday, and ended on Friday, in Ibadan.
Born on May 10, 1936, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Akinkunmi is renowned for designing the Nigerian flag in 1958, for which he received a £100 award after his design was chosen.
Meanwhile, Oyo State has urged the Federal Government to give deserved honour to late Pa Taiwo akinkunmi, designer of the national flag.
The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, said, “the celebration of the death of an iconic figure like 87year old Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi who designed the Nigerian flag 64years ago at the age of 23 should be a national festival.
“The fact that Pa Akinkunmi belongs to this part of the country does not detract from his recognition as a national hero.”
The Acting governor said this at the funeral service held in honour of the late Icon at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan.
According to him, Pa Akinkunmi represents the classic example of a national Icon and the Federal Government should not abdicate its duty to give him deserved respect and honour, whether alive or dead.
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