Nigerian flag designer, Taiwo Akinkunmi, dies at 87

The designer of the Nigerian flag, Taiwo Akinkunmi, has been confirmed dead at the age of 87.

Akinkunmi’s death was announced by his son, Akinkunmi Samuel, via his Facebook page on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.

Samuel stated: “Life is indeed transient; I can say boldly you live a life with a landmark. Continue to rest on, my father! Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R). Great Man has gone.”

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Akinkunmi, who designed the Nigerian flag in 1958, was honoured with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) award by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Born in 1936 in Ibadan, the older of a set of twins, he lived with his father until he was eight years old before he relocated to the Northern part of Nigeria.

Akinkunmi began his early education in the North and after his father’s retirement, he came down to the West and was re-enrolled at Baptist Day School, Idi-Ikan in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

He was commonly referred to as Mr Flag Man.

The Star