The Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, held a Special Board of Studies Session in honour of one of its foremost pioneer scholars and the Faculty’s third Dean, the late Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN.
The session, held at the Faculty Boardroom, brought together former colleagues, students, friends, and family members of the late Professor Kasunmu to celebrate his life, scholarship, leadership, and enduring contributions to the development of the Faculty and Nigerian legal education.
In her opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Adejoke Oyewunmi, described the late Professor Kasunmu as a scholar of repute, an academic leader, and a leading light of the Faculty.
According to her, Professor Kasunmu occupied a distinguished place in the history of the Faculty, having served during its formative years. In her words: “Professor Kasunmu helped to establish our intellectual culture, our academic tradition, institutional ethics, and standards of excellence.”
She assured that the Faculty would remain committed to preserving and promoting the enduring legacies of the late Professor Kasunmu.
Speaking at the special session, the University’s Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Muyiwa Falaiye commended the Faculty of Law for its tradition of honouring its legends and retired icons.
He paid glowing tribute to the late Professor Kasunmu, noting that his impactful years of service contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Faculty over the decades.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Professor Matthew Ilori also commiserated with the family of the late Professor Kasunmu. He recalled the deceased’s remarkable achievements and the reputation he built beyond the teaching and practice of law, and prayed for the family to be granted the fortitude to bear the loss.
Tributes and Reminiscences
Former colleagues, students, and associates of the late Professor Kasunmu took turns to share fond memories and pay tribute to his life and contributions. Among them were Hon. Justice George Oguntade, JSC, Rtd, Professor E. O. Akanbi, Professor Akin Oyebode, Professor Chioma Kanu Agomo, and Mrs. Funke Agbo, SAN (Chairman, UNILAG Law Faculty Alumni Association).
The speakers described Professor Kasunmu as a towering figure in the history of the UNILAG Law Faculty and Nigerian legal education. They unanimously acknowledged him as a consummate gentleman, an excellent teacher, and a leader of repute, while highlighting his significant influence on their academic and professional journeys.
Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, shared reflections on behalf of members of the Faculty Board of Studies, describing the late Professor Kasunmu as an icon whose contributions to the Faculty and the Nigerian legal system would remain indelible.
The motion for the adoption of the Faculty Board of Studies’ Tributes and Condolence Resolution was moved by Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN . A minute of silence was observed in honour of the late Professor Kasunmu.
Responding on behalf of the Kasunmu family, the daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Jumoke Okunnu, expressed appreciation to the University Management and the Faculty of Law for the honour accorded to her late father and family patriarch.
About the Late Professor A. B. Kasunmu
Born on May 23, 1934, in Lagos; the late Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu studied Law in London and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1960.
He joined the University of Lagos in 1971 as a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Law, having previously served as one of the pioneer lecturers at the Faculty of Law, University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. He was promoted to the rank of Professor of Law in 1973, consolidating a distinguished period of scholarship, teaching, and academic leadership at UNILAG.
Professor Kasunmu served as Dean of the Faculty of Law from 1973 to 1975, succeeding Professor Taslim Olawale Elias. In 1975, he was appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, a position he held until 1978. He subsequently established Professor A. B. Kasunmu Chambers and was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1979, becoming one of the early Nigerian academics to attain the prestigious rank.
Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu passed away in August 2026 at the age of 92.
