Taiwo Akinkunmi was a Nigerian civil servant and the designer of Nigeria’s national flag. He created the flag in 1959, which became a symbol of Nigeria’s independence. His simple yet powerful design is a lasting contribution to the nation’s identity and pride.
| Common Name | Taiwo Akinkunmi (Mr. Flag Man) |
| Full Name | Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi |
| Age | 87 years old (as of 2023) |
| Date of Birth | May 10, 1936 |
| Gender | Male |
| Occuaption | Civil Servant |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Yoruba |
| State of Origin | Oyo |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
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Taiwo Akinkunmi Biography
Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi OFR, born on May 10, 1936, in Ibadan, Nigeria, was a Nigerian civil servant renowned for designing Nigeria’s national flag. He was widely known as “Mr. Flag Man” due to this significant contribution. He passed away on August 29, 2023, at the age of 87. Taiwo Akinkunmi’s life story is a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to national prominence.
Taiwo Akinkunmi Educational Background
Akinkunmi started his early education in northern Nigeria but later moved to Ibadan, where he completed his schooling at the Baptist Day School, Idi-Ikan. Afterward, he attended Ibadan Grammar School, where he received a solid education. Later, he pursued a course in electrical engineering at Norwood Technical College, now known as Lambeth College, in London, United Kingdom.
Taiwo Akinkunmi Career
In 1955, Akinkunmi began working as a civil servant in the Western Region Secretariat in Ibadan, where he initially served as an agriculturist. While studying in London, he entered a competition to design Nigeria’s national flag, and his green-white-green design was selected in 1958. After completing his studies, he returned to Nigeria and resumed his work as a civil servant until his retirement in 1994, holding the position of Assistant Superintendent of Agriculture.
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Taiwo Akinkunmi Awards
Taiwo Akinkunmi received various honors throughout his life for his design of the Nigerian flag. He was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2014, one of Nigeria’s highest national honors. His legacy was further celebrated during Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary, recognizing him as one of the country’s distinguished citizens.
Taiwo Akinkunmi Age
Akinkunmi was born on May 10, 1936, and lived to be 87 years old as of 2023.
Taiwo Akinkunmi Personal Life
Akinkunmi was married and had several children, including his son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi, who played a prominent role in preserving his father’s legacy. He was known as a humble and easy-going man, well-loved by those around him.
Taiwo Akinkunmi Death
Taiwo Akinkunmi passed away on Tuesday August 29, 2023, after a brief illness. Despite promises of a state funeral, his burial was delayed for over a year. Eventually, the Oyo State Government stepped in to fund the funeral, which was held in Ibadan in September 2024.
Taiwo Akinkunmi Son
His son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi, continues to honor his father’s legacy and played an active role in arranging the burial when the federal government did not follow through on promises for a state funeral.
Taiwo Akinkunmi House
Taiwo Akinkunmi’s house in Ibadan was painted in the iconic green and white colors of the Nigerian flag, symbolizing his lasting connection to his national contribution.
Taiwo Akinkunmi Net Worth
Though Akinkunmi lived a modest life, his design of the national flag earned him £100 in 1958. His later recognition brought him national honors, but there is no known significant financial wealth associated with him.
Taiwo Akinkunmi Social Media Handles
Taiwo Akinkunmi did not have an active presence on social media, as he lived in an era before its rise. However, his legacy is widely celebrated online through various platforms, where his contributions to Nigeria are remembered.
You can watch a video of his burial on YouTube: Taiwo Akinkunmi Buried in Ibadan.