Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (OFR)
By Yinka Adeniran
Barely a year after his passing, the Akinkunmi family has announced the burial rites for their patriarch, Pa Michael Akinkunmi Taiwo (OFR), the designer of Nigeria’s national flag, Pa Akinkunmi, who died on August 29, 2023.
In a statement released by his son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi, the family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported them during their time of mourning.
“We thank the Federal Government for sending the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Hon Idris Mohammed, to pay condolence to the family when the incident happened,” the family said.
According to the statement, the burial programme has been scheduled to hold between Wednesday, September 4th, and Friday, 6th, 2024, assuring that a detailed burial arrangement would soon be communicated.
While stating that it was still hopeful of hearing from the Federal Government as regards its promises in respect of the burial, the family specifically requests that the Nigerian Flag be flown at half-mast to give the departed Pa Akinkunmi his last respects during the burial period.
“It would be much appreciated if the Nigerian Flag can be flown at half-mast to give Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi this last respect,” the statement added.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, noting that the governor did not renege on his promise to support the family in giving the patriarch a befitting burial.
Additionally, it appreciated the roles played by members of the 7th Oyo State House of Assembly, the Chairman, Oyo State Advisory Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, and members of the council for standing by the family.
The family equally showed gratitude to Senator Monsurat Sunmonnu and Honourable Bolomope, for what they did for Pa Akinkunmi in his lifetime and in the aftermath of his glorious passing.
In a similar vein, the family expressed appreciation to NGOs, including Project One, Iamonenigerian, and many others.
“We will also never forget to appreciate the print and broadcast media outlets for lending their support to the family’s voice until it got the desired attention of the concerned authorities,” the statement read.
