FILE: Chief Folake Solanke, SAN

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kemi Pinheiro, has said the death of Professor Alfred Kasunmu, SAN, has made Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, the most senior living Senior Advocate of Nigeria and statutory vice-chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

Pinheiro stated this in a tribute published on The Cable on Tuesday, following the death of Kasunmu at the age of 92.

Kasunmu, a distinguished lawyer and scholar, died peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Pinheiro described the deceased as “a formidable and forensic advocate, a distinguished scholar, a former Attorney-General of Lagos State and a Professor of Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Lagos successively.”

He added, “Beyond these titles and accomplishments, he was a lawyer’s lawyer and, above all, a gentleman through and through.”

According to Pinheiro, Kasunmu was the most senior living SAN before his death and, by virtue of that distinction, served as the statutory vice-chairman of BOSAN.

“With his passing, that distinction and position now fall on Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, herself a towering figure of the Nigerian Bar,” he said.

Pinheiro said Kasunmu’s position among the most senior advocates reflected his stature in the Nigerian legal profession.

Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu. Photo credit: Timothy Abiodun | Facebook

Recalling their encounters in court, Pinheiro said the late lawyer had a remarkable ability to dismantle an opponent’s case while maintaining his composure.

Kasunmu was a member of the Baptist Academy Class of 1953 and trustee of the Baptist Academy Old Students Association.

The Global President of the Baptist Academy Old Students Association, Olumide Ajomale, had announced his death in a statement issued on behalf of the association’s National Executive Council.

Prof Alfred Kasunmu dies at 92

Ajomale described Kasunmu as “a towering figure in law, scholarship, and national development,” noting his contributions as a mentor, scholar and advocate.

BAOSA said Kasunmu was honoured last year with its Order of Excellence Award as one of 170 distinguished old students of Baptist Academy during its 170th Founders Day celebration.