- The Federal Government failed to fulfil its promise of a state funeral for Taiwo Akinkunmi, designer of the Nigerian flag
- Akinkunmi's design has flown proudly for decades and continues to represent the country globally as a symbol of Nigeria’s identity
- As Nigerians reflect on independence, the burial of Taiwo Akinkunmi brought attention to the failure of the federal government to honour national symbols and those who created them
Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration was marked by more than just reflection on the country's journey, it also brought into focus the troubling disregard for its national symbols, as exemplified by the federal government's treatment of Taiwo Akinkunmi, the man who designed the Nigerian flag.
Over 370 days after his passing, Akinkunmi’s burial takes place in Ibadan
Despite earlier promises by the federal government to honour Akinkunmi with a state funeral, no such ceremony took place, leaving his family and the Oyo State government to bear the responsibility for his burial.
The burial of Akinkunmi, who passed away in August 2023, after a brief illness at the age of 87 took place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on September 6, 2024, a wait of over 370 days.
While his design continues to represent Nigeria globally, the late Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi Order of the Federal Republic(OFR) was neglected by the federal authorities who had vowed to give him the recognition he deserved.
Oyo state steps in, family expresses frustration waiting nearly a year
Photo Credit: The Punch
The Oyo State government eventually stepped in to provide the funding necessary for Akinkunmi's burial, ensuring that he received a dignified farewell. However, the federal government's absence at his funeral drew attention to the country's respect for those who have contributed to its national identity.
His son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi, expressed the family’s frustration at waiting for nearly a year for the state funeral that was promised but never materialised.
Speaking to the BBC Focus on Africa podcast, Akinwumi revealed that after months of waiting, the family decided to organise the funeral. He shared how the family had been paying N2,000 daily to keep his father’s body in a morgue, a financial burden they had hoped the promised state funeral would alleviate.
Legacy lives on beyond Nigeria's independence celebration
He said, “We have to give him the befitting burial he deserves. My late father was easygoing and didn’t want anything to tarnish his image. He was well brought up; he was a brilliant man and a good person everyone wanted to associate with.”
Akinkunmi’s legacy is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s history. Born on May 10, 1936, in Ibadan, he designed the national flag in 1958, earning a £100 award for his winning entry.
Independence Day on October 1, 1960, saw the official raising of the Nigerian flag, replacing the British Union Jack.
Honouring national symbols is honouring the people behind them
His design, now a symbol of Nigeria’s identity, has flown proudly for decades and as the nation looks back on its journey toward independence, the story of Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi OFR stands as a reminder that national symbols are not just abstract representations; they are the result of the dedication and creativity of individuals whose legacies deserve respect and acknowledgement.
Honouring these symbols goes hand in hand with recognising the people behind them, ensuring their contributions are celebrated and never forgotten.
64 interesting facts about Nigeria to celebrate 64th Independence anniversary
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigeria celebrated her 64 years of independence on October 1, marking the end of British colonial rule in 1960.
TheRadar compiled 64 amazing historical facts about the nation in celebration of her independence.