The Federal Government has faced criticism on social media for failing to fulfill its promise of granting a state funeral to Taiwo Akinkunmi, the late designer of the Nigerian Flag.
In an interview on the BBC Focus on Africa podcast, Akinkunmi’s son, Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, shared that after waiting for over a year, the family has decided to proceed with his father’s burial. Taiwo Akinkunmi passed away on September 4, 2023.
He noted that his father would receive a “befitting burial” with support from the Oyo State Government, which has stepped in to fund the ceremony.
The BBC reported that a senator had successfully sponsored a motion for a state funeral, but no plans were made, leaving the family to pay 2,000 naira ($1.30; £1.00) daily to keep the body in a morgue.
“The flag designer’s son said that in June, they found out that the arts ministry’s National Institute for Cultural Orientation (Nico) had been directed to sort out the state funeral.
“But apart from one phone call, he said the institution had failed to communicate any further.
He feels waiting any longer would just sully his father’s name.
“This is when the Oyo state government decided to step in to fund the burial rites for the flag designer.”
Many Nigerians expressed their disappointment in the government, claiming that they have no regard for the citizens, even in death.
- Nigerians drag FG for failing to honour Akinkunmi
Some Nigerians feel the government only engages in actions that benefit them, which is why they believe the promise of a state burial for the flag designer has not been honored. Others criticize the family for relying on the government and waiting before proceeding with the burial. While some argue that this situation may discourage future acts of heroism, others claim Nigeria has a history of neglecting its heroes.
Here are some of the comments:
@jeremiadetunji posted: “The family should thank God those who promised state funeral didn’t change the colour of the flag when they changed the national anthem. At least, they still have something to hold on to as the legacy of their patriarch.”
@Balatic posted: “Fair play to Tulumbu, he hates all Nigerians equally as @n6oflife6 has repeatedly said. All this other bigotry his supporters are pushing, na political strategy.”
@therealspookie posted: “APC? You’re waiting for APc?”
@segungramm posted: “This shows you they don’t give 2 fucks about our heroes past, I see why they changed the anthem.”
@Daddy_Tweens posted: “This is so shameful.”
@__adewale posted: “This country 😅 how do you inspire patriotism when people like this are treated with disdain 🤦🏾♂️”
@web_ike37683 posted: “They shot people holding the flag and you think they give a fvck about the one designed it.”
@jskay7 posted: “I mean what does it cost to give him a state burial though? Not like it’s owed but since it’s promised… why the drag? These are the issues that will make one think twice before throwing himself for Nigeria.”
@AmanyunoseS posted: “… believe govt promises at you own peril. Green eagles (super eagles) winners, 1980 Africa nation cup were promised 3 bed room bungalow each, up until now, I doubt if that promise has been redeemed. Nig state actors no send their citizens.”
@MisterSojay posted: “Chai…. So there will be no state burial for the designer of our prestigious National Flag! This is sad 😔. If it’s a corrupt politician that has stolen our future, there will sure be an expensive state burial for the yeye politician. God dey.”
@AdeAdedayo1 posted: “Even in death, Nigeria still failed this hero. Chai, can we still have real patriots?”
@shola_olushola posted: “This wouldn’t interest the Tinubu’s government. They don’t see the benefit in it.”
@fulanibros posted: “Why then will I want to be a hero in Nigeria?”
@Tonie_leo posted: “The family go dey believe Tinubu. Very funny people.”
@akanimodonatus posted: “The labour of our heroes past were all in vain.”
