Prof A.B. Kasunmu, pioneer legal scholar, ex-Lagos AG, dies at 92

Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, a pioneer legal scholar, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, and one of Nigeria’s respected Senior Advocates, has died at the age of 92.

Kasunmu died peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2026, according to a statement issued by his family.

The family said it announced his death with gratitude to God for his life and described him as a distinguished scholar, mentor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria whose legacy of wisdom, integrity and service would continue to inspire generations.

“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 attended Elizabeth Fowler Memorial School, Reagan Memorial Baptist School and Baptist Academy, Lagos, where he graduated in 1953.

He proceeded to University College London (UCL), where he obtained Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master of Laws (LLM) degrees. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1964.

Kasunmu began his academic career in the same year as a pioneer lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.

In 1971, he joined the University of Lagos as a senior lecturer and later became Professor of Law. He also served as Dean of the Faculty of Law from 1973 to 1975.

His career in public service saw him appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, a position he held from 1975 to 1978.

On January 25, 1978, he was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, becoming one of the earliest legal practitioners to attain the prestigious rank.

After leaving public service, Kasunmu established Professor A.B. Kasunmu’s Chambers LP in Lagos in 1978.

Over the course of his career, he authored and co-authored several legal texts and scholarly articles that contributed to Nigerian jurisprudence. He also represented clients in major domestic and international litigation and arbitration matters.

The Kasunmu family said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.

It added that condolence visits would be received at the family residence exclusively on Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, 2026, between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.