Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, has paid tribute to the late Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, describing him as a distinguished gentleman of the Nigerian Bar who belonged to a generation of lawyers whose professionalism, learning, discipline and integrity commanded respect within and outside the courtroom.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
In a tribute titled “Professor Kasunmu, SAN: A Tribute,” Gadzama recalled his personal and professional encounters with the late Senior Advocate, including cases in which they appeared on opposing sides and meetings of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria which Kasunmu chaired.
According to Gadzama, those encounters afforded him the opportunity to witness firsthand Kasunmu’s professionalism and the cordial relationship he maintained with colleagues irrespective of the sides they represented in litigation.
“Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, was a distinguished gentleman of the Nigerian Bar and a member of a generation of lawyers whose presence commanded respect both within and beyond the courtroom,” Gadzama said.
“Having been involved in a few matters with him on the opposing side, I witnessed firsthand the professionalism and cordial relationships he maintained with all his colleagues.”
The Senior Advocate also recalled attending meetings of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria in Lagos which were chaired by Kasunmu, describing the manner in which the late legal luminary conducted the proceedings as reflective of the standards associated with his generation of Senior Advocates.
“I had the privilege of attending some of the meetings of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria in Lagos which he chaired,” Gadzama said.
“He presided over those proceedings with the dignity, composure and authority that characterised his generation of Senior Advocates.”
According to him, Kasunmu possessed a quiet confidence and demonstrated an unmistakable commitment to protecting the standards, values and traditions of the Nigerian legal profession.
“There was a quiet assurance in his manner and an evident commitment to the standards and traditions of the legal profession,” he added.
Gadzama also spoke about a personal connection to Kasunmu through Mr Spencer, whom he described as a mutual colleague and friend he came to know through his late uncle, Lamar Abbaggana.
He said the connection gave him an additional appreciation of Kasunmu’s professional legacy and the influence the late professor exercised over lawyers and other people who worked with and around him.
“My connection with Professor Kasunmu also extended through Mr. Spencer, a mutual colleague and friend, whom I came to know through my late uncle, Lamar Abbaggana,” he said.
“These connections gave me an additional appreciation of the professional legacy that Professor Kasunmu built and the influence he had on those who worked with and around him.”
Reflecting on the era in which Kasunmu practised, Gadzama said the late Senior Advocate represented a tradition in which law was regarded as much more than an occupation or avenue for personal advancement.
He described it as a generation that considered legal practice a calling requiring discipline, intellectual depth, integrity and a profound sense of responsibility.
“Professor Kasunmu belonged to an era in which the law was practised not merely as a profession, but as a calling requiring discipline, learning, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility,” Gadzama said.
He maintained that Kasunmu’s contributions to the Nigerian legal profession would outlive the individual cases he handled and the positions he occupied throughout his career.
“His contribution to the Nigerian legal profession will therefore endure beyond the cases he argued or the offices he occupied,” he stated.
Gadzama joined members of the Nigerian Bar in mourning Kasunmu while also celebrating what he described as a life devoted to the law and the advancement of the profession.
“I join the many members of the Bar who mourn his passing and celebrate a life devoted to the law,” he said.
“His memory will remain with us, and his contribution to the development and dignity of the Nigerian legal profession will not be forgotten.”
He concluded the tribute with a prayer for the repose of Kasunmu’s soul.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion.
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
