Prof Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, the renowned Nigerian lawyer, legal scholar and former Attorney-General of Lagos State, has died at the age of 92. Here are five things to know about the distinguished legal practitioner.
He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1964
Kasunmu was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1964. In the same year, he joined the Faculty of Law at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, as one of its pioneer lecturers.
He later moved to the University of Lagos in 1971 as a senior lecturer and was promoted to professor of law in 1973. He subsequently served as dean of the university’s Faculty of Law from 1973 to 1975.
He served as Attorney-General of Lagos State
In 1975, Kasunmu was appointed Attorney-General of Lagos State, a position he held until 1978.
After leaving government, he returned to private legal practice and established Prof. A.B. Kasunmu Chambers, where he continued his legal career.
He contributed significantly to Nigerian legal scholarship
Kasunmu was also an author and legal scholar. In 1966, he co-authored Nigerian Family Law with Jeswald W. Salacuse. The book was published by Butterworths and became an early scholarly work on Nigerian family law.
He also edited The Supreme Court of Nigeria, 1956-1970, further contributing to the documentation and study of Nigeria’s legal system.
He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria
Kasunmu was appointed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1979, adding the distinction to a career that combined legal practice, teaching, public service and scholarship.
He was also associated with the Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA), where he was recognised for his contributions to law, scholarship and public service.
He was honoured for his contributions to society
Kasunmu was a member of the Baptist Academy Class of 1953 and remained associated with the school’s old students’ community.
BAOSA recognised him with its Order of Excellence Award, honouring his contributions and service. He was also described by the association as a distinguished figure in law, scholarship and national development.
His career spanned academia, government and private legal practice, making him one of the prominent figures in Nigeria’s legal history.