Oyo State Government Releases Funds for Burial of National Flag Designer, Taiwo Akinkunmi

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.

The late Pa Akinkunmi, an Abeokuta, Ogun State native who resided in Ibadan, Oyo State, left an indelible mark on Nigerian history. His exceptional design was selected as the best in 1958, emerging victorious in a competition to design a new national flag for Nigeria on the cusp of its independence from colonial powers.

The Federal Government delegates 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.

True to its word, the Oyo State Government led by Governor Makinde has released the necessary funds for the burial. The family’s spokesperson, Samuel Akinkunmi, expressed gratitude to the governor for his support, confirming that the final burial will be held in the coming 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.” The partriach died in August last year and has not been buried as at today.

Mr Samuael Akinkunmi further stated that, “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.”