The Nigerian legal profession has been thrown into mourning following the death of Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, with senior lawyers describing him as a legal titan, mentor, scholar, formidable advocate and one of the last great figures of Nigeria’s golden era of legal practice.
Kasunmu, who died peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2026, was widely regarded as one of the most senior lawyers in Nigeria at the time of his death.
His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from members of the Bar, who recalled his immense contributions to legal scholarship, courtroom advocacy, legal education and mentorship.
Among those who mourned him was Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who described Kasunmu as “a lawyer’s lawyer” and “a gentleman through and through”.
In a tribute titled “Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN: When a Giant Takes His Final Bow”, Pinheiro said Kasunmu was a formidable advocate, distinguished scholar, former Attorney-General of Lagos State and professor of law at Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos.
