Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN bestrode the Nigerian legal firmament like the quintessential Colossus. He wrote his name in gold, as an academic and subsequently, as a public servant and astute advocate. Born on May 23, 1934, Prof Kasunmu joined the saints triumphant in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the age of 92. In this Special Edition of THISDAY LAWYER, Lawyers, including his students and mentees, pay a well-deserved, glowing tribute to him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen A Consummate Learned Gentleman -Chief Folake Solanke, SAN Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, was a consummate learned gentleman, whose professional legacy is imperishable. The NBA has lost a genuine Silk. May the God of all comfort, console the family and his learned colleagues, Deo Volente. To the cerebral learned Professor of Law, resquiescat in pace. Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, First Female Senior Advocate of Nigeria; Matriarch of the Bar Tribute to Our Leader, Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN – Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) announces with deep sorrow, the transition to eternal glory of one of our most distinguished and esteemed members, Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, who passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the age of 92. Professor Kasunmu was a titan of the legal profession, a pioneering legal scholar, and a quintessential Senior Advocate whose life and career set an enduring standard of excellence, integrity, and profound intellect. From his early days as a foundational lecturer at the University of Ife to his tenure as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Lagos, he played a pivotal role in shaping the legal minds of generations of Nigerian Lawyers. His contributions to public service as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice for Lagos State (1975–1978), were marked by an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Upon his conferment with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1979 (he is Number 20 on the Roll), he continued to distinguish himself in private practice, as a brilliant advocate leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian jurisprudence through his extensive legal scholarship and his astute representation in the domestic and international fora, in both litigation and arbitration. The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria mourns the loss of a mentor, a gentleman of the Inner Bar, and a legal icon. His scholarly contributions, particularly his seminal texts and articles, will remain foundational resources for the legal community for years to come. We honour his memory, and the legacy of service he leaves behind. He was no doubt the last of the titans from the old brigade who, as the most senior living Senior Advocate of Nigeria for many years, served as Leader and Vice-Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria. On behalf of the leadership and the entire membership of the Body, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Kasunmu family, his friends, and his colleagues during this time of profound grief. May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort all those he has left behind. May his memory remain a blessing. Mr Olumide Sofowora, SAN, C.Arb, Secretary, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) He was a Giant through and through – Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN Professor A. B. Kasunmu was one of our finest lecturers, at the University of Lagos. He succeeded the great Professor Taslim Olawale Elias, as Dean of the Faculty of Law. Those of us who had the rare privilege of passing through these globally acclaimed scholars at Unilag, were exceptionally fortunate. We were taught and inspired by a good number of the giants and potentates of the legal profession. Professor Kasunmu was a fine and elegant gentleman, who would never harass or intimidate any student. He was, in every sense, in a class of his own. At different times, he served as the Attorney-General of Lagos State, a classroom teacher and a courtroom advocate. He belonged to the first generation of academics who took the Silk, not only by virtue of their academic standing, but by the sheer force of merit and distinction as foremost legal practitioners. He was a prodigious author and writer, a mentor, a role model and, above all, a man of uncommon intellectual and professional distinction. Soft-spoken and gentle in disposition, Professor Kasunmu was nevertheless uncompromising in terms of integrity, ethics and values. He was not one to rationalise wrongdoing, or compromise principles for convenience. His quiet demeanour could never be mistaken for weakness; beneath that calm exterior was a man of firm convictions, and an abiding commitment to the highest traditions of the legal profession. I was p
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