Members of the Oyo State 7th Assembly have passionately called for a dignified farewell to late Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the visionary mind behind Nigeria’s iconic national flag.
The assembly members highlighted the significance of Akinkunmi’s contributions, stressing that his pivotal role in shaping the nation’s identity had been somewhat overlooked until his passing.
During the address, a heartfelt acknowledgment was extended to former Governor Abiola Ajimobi for his compassionate intervention when Pa Akinkunmi fell ill.
Notably, the late flag designer received medical treatment at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan under the administration of Professor Alonge, then Chief Medical Director.
The Assembly recounted its determined efforts during the 7th Assembly, emphasizing their insistence on officially recognizing Akinkunmi’s role.
A letter to the Federal Government and National Assembly resulted in a national honor being conferred on the flag designer and was appointed as SA for a lifetime during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Despite this acknowledgment, the Assembly expressed concern that Akinkunmi’s contributions were not adequately celebrated during his lifetime.
Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, the Speaker of the 7th Oyo House of Assembly, while speaking after an elaborate meeting with other members of the 7th Assembly held in Ibadan on Wednesday, she emphasized the enduring impact of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi’s creation.
She urged the nation to recognize and honor not only the man but also the symbol he bestowed upon Nigeria.
“We have discovered so many Nigerians who are talented but we don’t just want them to die off like that. In any event we do in this country, we always make use of the National flag.
“We believe that Nigeria has a lot to do for him in death as long as the flag remains the same. The children have explained what they have done and we have also resolved to support the family for the burial programme.
“We will appreciate if, on the day of his burial, at the National and state level, the governments will make the flag fly at half-mast so that the whole world will know that we appreciate his effort as a country. Baba may have gone but the flag is alive,” She stated.
The 7th Assembly implored federal and Oyo state government to organize a befitting burial and called for a symbolic gesture – flying the national flag at half-mast on the day of the burial.
The Assembly took a decisive stand to celebrate the life of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, calling for a befitting burial as a tribute to the man and recognition of the enduring significance of the flag he crafted, symbolizing the unity and identity of Nigeria.
It also urged for a poignant gesture from the government, marked by the half-masting of the national flag, immortalizing those whose contributions echo through the corridors of the nation’s history.