- The Nigerian government promised the family of the late designer of the Nigerian Flag the honour of a state funeral
- One year after this promise had not been fulfilled, his family proceeded with the burial rights with the funding of the Oyo State Government
- Nigerians reacted, criticising the government for failing to honour the heroes of the nation
The Federal Government has been criticised on social media for reneging on its promise of honouring the late designer of the Nigerian Flag, Taiwo Akinkunmi, with a state funeral.
His son, Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, revealed on the BBC Focus on Africa podcast that the family will bury his father, who died on September 4, 2023, after waiting for a year for the promise of the Federal Government to be fulfilled.
He said his father will get a “befitting burial that he deserves,” adding that the Oyo State Government has decided to step in and fund the burial.
According to BBC, “A senator sponsored a successful motion that he be given a state burial.
However, no plans have ever been made, and as they waited, Akinkunmi’s family have been paying 2,000 naira ($1.30; £1.00) a day to keep the body at a morgue.
“The flag designer’s son said that in June, they found out that the arts ministry’s National Institute for Cultural Orientation (Nico) had been directed to sort out the state funeral.
“But apart from one phone call, he said the institution had failed to communicate any further.
He feels waiting any longer would just sully his father’s name.
“This is when the Oyo state government decided to step in to fund the burial rites for the flag designer.”
Many Nigerians expressed their disappointment in the government, claiming that they have no regard for the citizens, even in death.
Nigerians drag FG for failing to honour Akinkunmi
Some Nigerians believe the government would not get involved in anything that would not benefit them and think that’s why they are not keeping to their promise. Others fault the family of the Flag designer for trusting and waiting for the government before burying their dead. While some think this act will make people shy away from doing heroic deeds, others believe Nigeria has never honoured any hero in the past.
Here are some of the comments:
@jeremiadetunji posted: “The family should thank God those who promised state funeral didn't change the colour of the flag when they changed the national anthem. At least, they still have something to hold on to as the legacy of their patriarch.”
@Balatic posted: “Fair play to Tulumbu, he hates all Nigerians equally as @n6oflife6 has repeatedly said. All this other bigotry his supporters are pushing, na political strategy.”
@therealspookie posted: “APC? You’re waiting for APc?”
@segungramm posted: “This shows you they don’t give 2 fucks about our heroes past, I see why they changed the anthem.”
@Daddy_Tweens posted: “This is so shameful.”
@__adewale posted: “This country 😅 how do you inspire patriotism when people like this are treated with disdain 🤦🏾♂️”
@web_ike37683 posted: “They shot people holding the flag and you think they give a fvck about the one designed it.”
@jskay7 posted: “I mean what does it cost to give him a state burial though? Not like it’s owed but since it’s promised… why the drag? These are the issues that will make one think twice before throwing himself for Nigeria.”
@AmanyunoseS posted: “... believe govt promises at you own peril. Green eagles (super eagles) winners, 1980 Africa nation cup were promised 3 bed room bungalow each, up until now, I doubt if that promise has been redeemed. Nig state actors no send their citizens.”
@MisterSojay posted: “Chai.... So there will be no state burial for the designer of our prestigious National Flag! This is sad 😔. If it's a corrupt politician that has stolen our future, there will sure be an expensive state burial for the yeye politician. God dey.”
@AdeAdedayo1 posted: “Even in death, Nigeria still failed this hero. Chai, can we still have real patriots?”
@shola_olushola posted: “This wouldn't interest the Tinubu’s government. They don't see the benefit in it.”
@fulanibros posted: “Why then will I want to be a hero in Nigeria?”
@Tonie_leo posted: “The family go dey believe Tinubu. Very funny people.”
@akanimodonatus posted: “The labour of our heroes past were all in vain.”
Onyeka Onwenu: Late iconic singer to be buried in Lagos
Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that the Nigerian legendary singer Onyeka Onwenu, who recently died, would be buried in the Ikoyi axis of Lagos.
72-year-old Onwenu, before her death on July 30, has been in the music scene since the 1980s, debuting her album ‘For the Love of You’ in 1981. She was also significantly present in politics and activism.