After Unfulfilled Promise for State Funeral, Nigeria’s Flag Designer’s Family Proceeds With Burial

• Taiwo Akinkunmi’s family has decided to proceed with his burial arrangements after a year-long delay due to the federal government’s unfulfilled promise of a state funeral
• The Oyo State Government led by Governor Seyi Makinde has stepped in to finance the burial of Akinkunmi
• The family has been enduring a financial burden of N2,000 per day to keep Akinkunmi’s body at a morgue while waiting for the state funeral that never came

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

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 Nigerian government.

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“We have to give him the befitting burial he deserves,” his son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi, told the BBC Focus on Africa podcast.

According to Akinwumi, 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 reported on Wednesday, September 4.

He revealed to BBC that the family have been paying N2,000 a day to keep the body at a morgue.

This was why the Oyo state government led by Seyi Makinde, decided to step in to fund the burial rites for the flag designer.

Interestingly, a three-day burial plan for Akinkunmi will commence on Wednesday, September 4 and end, on Friday, September 6, 2024, in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

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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.

Enugu Governor visits Gwo Gwo singer, renames road after him

In a related development, Legit.ng reported that the Enugu State Government has inaugurated four newly constructed and reconstructed roads in Abakpa Nike, including the newly renamed Mike Ejeagha Road.

Governor Peter Mbah announced the renaming in honor of the legendary musician's contributions to the state's cultural heritage.

This initiative is part of a broader infrastructure development plan, with contracts awarded for the construction of 141 roads and 20 rural roads.

Source: Legit.ng