Taiwo Akinkunmi Biography, Education, Career, Controversies, And Death

Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, born on May 10, 1936, in Abeokuta (then the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria), was a Nigerian civil servant and electrical engineer. He is best remembered as the creator of Nigeria’s national flag, a design that became a symbol of the nation’s unity and independence. Fondly known as “Mr. Flag Man,” Akinkunmi’s contribution to Nigeria’s identity remains one of his greatest legacies. He passed away on August 29, 2023, in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the age of 87.

Taiwo Akinkunmi Profile

Name	Taiwo Akinkunmi
Real Name	Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi
Date of Birth	10 May 1936
Date of Death	29 August 2023 (87 years)
State of Origin	Ogun State
Tribe	Yoruba
Nationality	Nigerian
Occupation	Civil Servant and Electrical Engineer
Religion	Christianity
Marital Status	Married
Net Worth	$500,000
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Educational Background

Akinkunmi began his early education in Northern Nigeria, where he lived with his father. After his father’s retirement, he moved to the western region, enrolling at Baptist Day School, Idi-Ikan, Ibadan, where he completed his primary education in 1949.

He then attended Ibadan Grammar School (IGS) from 1950 to 1955. After working as a civil servant, he pursued higher education at Norwood Technical College, now known as Lambeth College in London, where he studied electrical engineering. It was during his time in London that Akinkunmi submitted his design for Nigeria’s national flag.

Career

Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi began his career as an agriculturist at the Western Region Secretariat in Ibadan after finishing his secondary education. His time at Norwood Technical College led to his historic design of the Nigerian flag in 1959, chosen from over 3,000 submissions for Nigeria’s independence in 1960. Upon his return to Nigeria in 1963, Akinkunmi resumed his role in the agricultural department and continued to serve as a civil servant until his retirement in 1994, holding the position of Assistant Superintendent of Agriculture.

Controversies

Although Akinkunmi’s design was selected as the national flag, the red sun symbol he originally included was removed by the selection committee. Additionally, while he was honored for his contributions later in life, the government’s promise of a state burial after his death remained unfulfilled for nearly a year, drawing criticism from the public and his family.

Social Media Handle

Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi did not maintain an active presence on social media during his lifetime.

Personal Life

Akinkunmi was married and had children, leading a quiet life despite his monumental contribution to the country. His son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi, has spoken about his father’s humble nature and dedication to his work. His house was often painted in the green and white colors of the Nigerian flag, symbolizing his connection to the design that defined his legacy.

Taiwo Akinkunmi Net Worth

Taiwo Akinkunmi was estimated to be worth around $500,000 during his lifetime.

Death

Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi passed away on August 29, 2023, following a brief illness. Despite assurances from the federal government of a state funeral, no such event occurred. His family, frustrated by the delays, accepted the Oyo State government’s assistance in organizing his burial in September 2024.