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Former Lagos Attorney-General Alfred Kasunmu, SAN, dies at 92

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2 hours ago

August 10, 2026

The Nigerian legal profession has been thrown into mourning following the death of renowned legal scholar, advocate and former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN.

Kasunmu died peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the age of 92.

His family announced his death in a statement, describing him as a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose life was dedicated to law, scholarship and public service.

“With gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, who departed peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, 9th August 2026,” the family said.

Born on May 23, 1934, in Lagos to parents from Ilesa, Osun State, Kasunmu had his early education at Elizabeth Fowler Memorial School, Reagan Memorial Baptist School and Baptist Academy, all in Lagos.

He later travelled abroad for further studies and obtained Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws degrees from University College London.

Kasunmu was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1964 and began his academic career the same year, joining the Faculty of Law of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, as one of its pioneer lecturers.

In 1971, he moved to the University of Lagos as a senior lecturer and was later promoted to Professor of Law.

He served as Dean of the University of Lagos Faculty of Law from 1973 to 1975.

His contributions to legal education and scholarship established him as one of the prominent legal scholars of his generation.

In 1975, Kasunmu was appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, a position he held for three years.

He was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on January 25, 1978, becoming one of the earliest members of Nigeria’s Inner Bar. He was also a Notary Public of Nigeria.

Kasunmu was widely recognised for his contributions to legal scholarship and advocacy. He jointly authored several influential legal texts and published numerous academic articles covering various areas of law.

His legal practice spanned several decades and involved courtroom advocacy, arbitration and representation of both Nigerian and expatriate clients.

He appeared before courts at different levels in Nigeria and before arbitration panels in Nigeria and abroad.

Members of the legal profession have continued to describe Kasunmu as a scholar, mentor, advocate and statesman whose contributions to legal education and practice influenced generations of Nigerian lawyers.

His death marks the loss of one of the country’s respected figures in legal scholarship, public service and advocacy.