Mr Taiwo Akinkunmi (OFR), designer of the Nigerian National flag is dead.

He died at the age of 87 after a brief illness .

His death was announced by his son Samuel Akinkunmi in a post on Facebook on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.

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

Late Akinwumi hails from Owu in Abeokuta, Ogun state and was born on May 10, 1936.

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He attended Baptist Day Secondary School, Ibadan for his Primary education and Ibadan Grammar School, Ibadan for his Secondary education.

He designed the Nigerian flag in 1958 after entering the competition for the submission of designs for the Nigerian national flag in view of Nigeria’s imminent Independence from British governance.

His entry was  the best among the roughly 2,000 entries submitted and was subsequently chosen after some adjustment was made.

The flag was officially hoisted on Independence Day (October 1, 1960) instead of the British Union Jack.

Akinkunmi was awarded 100 pounds by the government when his design was selected.