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National Flag: Atiku Chides FG Over Failed Promise, Don’t Ignore Akinkunmi in Death -Oyo Govt
NATIONAL FLAG: DON’T IGNORE AKINKUNMI IN DEATH – OYO GOVT TELLS FEDERAL GOVT
•As Akinkunmi’s family Appreciates Oyo Govt for Full Support
Eagle’s Sight News reports that Oyo State Government has tasked Federal Government to give deserved honour to late Pa Taiwo akinkunmi, designer of the national flag.
The recent charge is contained In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, a copy made available to Eaglessightnews.
Oyelade while quoting the Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, restated that, “the celebration of the death of an iconic figure like 87year old Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi who designed the Nigerian flag 64years ago at the age of 23 should be a national festival.
“The fact that Pa Akinkunmi belongs to this part of the country does not detract from his recognition as a national hero.”
The Acting governor said this at the funeral service held in honour of the late Icon at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan.
According to him, Pa Akinkunmi represents the classic example of a national Icon and the Federal Government should not abdicate its duty to give him deserved respect and honour, whether alive or dead.
The State Government had earlier provided funds for the burial ceremony and presented a symbolic national flag to the children of the deceased.
Earlier, late Taiwo Akinkunmi’s family were forced to proceed with deceased’s burial after a year-long wait for a promised state funeral that keeps pending.
Akinkunmi died on September 4, 2023, at 87, was supposed to be honoured with a state funeral by the Federal Government.
“We have to give him the befitting burial he deserves,” his son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi, told the BBC Focus on Africa podcast.
Akinwumi said 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, BBC reports Wednesday.
This was why the Oyo State Government decided to step in to fund the burial rites for the flag designer.
Akinkunm’s Family Still Hopes to Hear From FG, Appreciates Oyo Govt for Full Support
In a statement, his son said the family was still hopeful of hearing from the government as regards its promises in respect of the burial plan.
“While the family is waiting for the government to fulfil its promises, it appreciates the roles played by members of the 7th Oyo State House of Assembly, the Chairman, Oyo State Advisory Council, Bolaji Ayorinde, and members of the council for standing by the family,” he stated.
Akinwumi told BBC that in June, they found out that the arts ministry’s National Institute for Cultural Orientation was tasked with arranging a state funeral.
However, despite an initial phone call, there has been no further communication or progress from the institution.
Akinwumi fears that waiting longer will dishonour his father’s memory.
“My late father was an easy-going person who didn’t want anything to tarnish his image,” his son told the BBC.
“He was well brought up, he was a very intelligent man and a good person that everyone wanted to associate with,” he added. The Punch reports
Atiku Chides FG Over Failed Promise
Meanwhile, the former Vice President of Nigeria and the Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in the last general election, Atiku Abubakar has expressed disapproval to the Federal Government under Tinubu administration for failing to bestow late Micheal Akinkunmi , the state burial he was so rightfully promised .
Atiku stated this in Friday via his official X handle . The tweet reads:
“I am immensely disheartened that the Federal Government under Tinubu’s administration has failed to bestow upon the late Michael Akinkunmi, the creator of our national flag, the state burial he was so rightfully promised. No other patriot embodies the spirit of honour and sacrifice as profoundly as the revered ‘Mr. Flag Man.'” – AA
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