National Flag Designer, Late Taiwo Akinkunmi’s Burial
The family of Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s flag, has announced that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has released funds for the burial of their patriarch. The family made this known in a statement released to journalists on Friday.
Late Pa Akinkunmi, a native of Abeokuta in Ogun State but resident in Ibadan, Oyo State, passed away on 29th August 2023. His design was selected as the best in 1958 amongst all presented designs for the competition to create a new national flag design for Nigeria ahead of its independence from colonial masters.
The Federal Government, led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, visited the family and promised to support the burial. Oyo State Government also sent a condolence letter. However, due to the inability of the federal and state governments to fulfill their promises, the deceased has not been buried.
However, Oyo State Government led by Makinde has fulfilled its promise by releasing funds for the burial. Family spokesman Samuel Akinkunmi commended the governor for the gesture, stating that the final burial would take place in the next few days.
In a statement released by the Spokesman to the family, Mr Samuel Akinkunmi said: “This is to notify the general public that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has released funds for the burial of our patriarch… He died in August last year and has not been buried as at today… The federal government sent a representative led by the Minister for Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris. He promised us that the federal government will sponsor the burial. Also, Oyo state government pledged to support the burial… But to God be the glory, Governor Seyi Makinde has fulfilled his promise. We wish to thank him, members of the 7th assembly, members of Oyo State Advisory Council, and everyone who took the matter up.”
The family also thanked Yoruba World Congress UK for their support and the media for giving them a voice. Akinkunmi added that the date for the burial would be announced soon.”
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