A former chairman of Itesiwaju Local Government Area in Oyo State, Dr Thomas Olayode, has described the delay in the burial of the designer of Nigeria’s flag, Pa Taiwo Micheal Akinkunmi, as a national shame.
Olayode, who described the flag as the symbol of unity, struggles and aspirations, said that the man who designed it had been forgotten in the mortuary without being given befitting burial 10 months after his death.
Recall that Akinkunmi died on 29th August, 2023. The Federal Government under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a delegation led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, to pay a visit to the family.
Idris had spoken that the designer of the national flag would be given a befitting burial, promising that Akinkunmi’s efforts would not be in vain.
However, in a statement on Saturday, Olayode expressed disappointment over the delay in the burial of the deceased, noting that Akinkunmi’s contributions have not been met with the respect and honour he deserves, even in death.
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The statement partly reads, “A Nation’s Shame: Neglect of Taiwo Michael Akinkunmi’s Final Rest’, read, “Mr. Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian flag, has passed on, leaving behind a legacy that symbolizes unity and national pride. Unfortunately, his contributions have not been met with the respect and honour he deserves, even in death.
“For months, his body has lain in a morgue, unclaimed and unburied, a stark contrast to the dignity his work embodies. This neglect is a shame on our nation, a failure to recognize the significance of his contribution to our identity.
The statement continued, ” This is a stark reminder of our nation’s shortcomings, our inability to honour our heroes, and our disregard for those who have served us selflessly.
“We must come together to give Mr. Akinkunmi the burial he deserves, a burial that reflects his contributions to our nation. We owe it to him, his family, and ourselves to show respect and gratitude for his service”, he said.
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