Family proceeds with burial of Nigeria Flag designer Taiwo Akinkunmi after FG failed to give him state burial

Late Sir Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian flag, will finally be buried today, September 6, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The family of Akinkunmi were forced to proceed with his burial after waiting for a whole year for the state funeral they were promised.

Akinkunmi, who died on September 4, 2023, at 87, was supposed to be honoured with a state funeral by the Federal Government.

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

Akinwumi said the family had waited patiently for the government to fulfil its promise, but as the months went by, it became clear that no arrangements were being made.

He revealed to BBC that the family have been paying N2,000 a day to keep the body at a morgue.

This was why the Oyo State Government decided to step in to fund the burial rites for the flag designer.

Akinkunmi’s funeral arrangements commenced on Wednesday, September 4, and will end on Friday, September 6, 2024, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

His son said the family still hopes to hear from the government regarding its promise of the burial of their father.

“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.

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Akinwumi told BBC that in June, they found out that the arts ministry’s National Institute for Cultural Orientation was tasked with arranging a state funeral.

However, despite an initial phone call, there has been no further communication or progress from the institution.

Akinwumi fears that waiting longer will dishonour his father’s memory.