The family of the Nigerian flag designer, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, on Friday finally laid him to rest after a year-long wait for a promised state funeral.
Akinkunmi, who passed away at 87 in 2023, was celebrated for his iconic contribution to the nation.
It was learnt that his funeral service, organised by the Oyo State government, was held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, attended by a large gathering of mourners, including family, friends, and government officials.
The ceremony paid tribute to Akinkunmi’s lasting legacy in shaping a symbol of national unity and pride.
The funeral service was conducted by ministers from the Gospel Faith Mission International.
Akinkunmi, fondly known as “Mr. Flag Man,” designed the Nigerian flag in 1958 and received a £100 award for his chosen design.
Reacting to the burial, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar berated President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government over its failure to fulfil its promise to give Taiwo Michael Akinkunmi a befitting state burial after one year of his death.
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.’”