The family of the designer of the Nigerian national flag, Taiwo Akinkunmi, has been
forced to proceed with his burial after a year-long wait for a promised state funeral
that never materialised.

Akinkunmi, who died on September 4, 2023, at 87, was supposed to be honoured
with a state funeral by the Federal Government. However, his son, Akinwumi told
newsmen that 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.

In a statement, his son Akinwumi had said the arts ministry’s National Institute for
Cultural Orientation was tasked with arranging a state funeral, earlier scheduled to
commence on Wednesday, September 4 and end, today Friday, September 6, 2024,
in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and the family was still hopeful of hearing from the
government as regards its promises in respect of the burial plan, but fears waiting
longer will dishonour his father’s memory.