Eulogy for Professor A. B. Kasunmu, SAN by Abimbola Williams Akinjide, SAN

Stories by Steve Aya

The passing of Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN has left a profound void in the Nigerian legal profession, the academic community and in the cherished family of KASUNMU and WILLIAMS to which belonged.

Professor Kasunmu was an extraordinary scholar, a distinguished public servant, and a cherished member of our wider family.

He was a sage of the legal profession, a man whose intellect, discipline, and integrity shaped generations of Lawyers and strengthened the foundations of legal education in Nigeria. 

After obtaining his LL.B and LL.M Degrees from the University College London, he returned home in 1964 and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar that same year. His commitment to the development of legal scholarship began immediately, first as a pioneer lecturer at the University of Ife (then at the Ibadan campus), and later at the University of Lagos, where he became Professor of Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law in 1973.

His service to Lagos State as Attorney‑General and Commissioner for Justice from 1975 to 1978, remains a reference point for professionalism and principled leadership. His elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1979 was a well‑deserved recognition of his mastery of the law and his contributions to its growth.

Professor Kasumu had a particularly close relationship with my father, Albert Bankole Ekundayo Williams and his brother, Chief Rotimi Williams, CFR, CON, SAN, both of blessed memory. That relationship extended beyond family ties.

 His professional respect for his cousin “Timi the Law” whom he fondly called “Uncle England”, was echoed in the tribute he wrote in 2005 when Chief Rotimi Williams passed on: “Chief FRA Williams, SAN (‘Uncle England’ to those of us in the T. A. Williams Clan) was GENESIS 12:2 in action – “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great and thou shall be a blessing.”

He was a great man, highly favoured and blessed. His name was made famous

and distinguished, and he poured out of himself to me and to so many others. He was a blessing to his family, the legal profession, friends, the judiciary, this nation and beyond.

Indeed, in him were many families of this earth blessed.

UNFORGETTABLE! That’s what you are.”

  ABK

The Professor known on the Black Table as ABK, was an active member of the Black Table, a distinguished group of Lawyers dedicated to rigorous examination of complex legal issues. His work in that circle, reflected his lifelong devotion to intellectual discipline and excellence. His colleagues on the BLACK TABLE included Chief Bayo Kehinde, SAN, Hon Justice ALAL Balogun, Hon Justice Ajose Adeogun (before they both joined the judiciary), Dr Kole Abayomi and O. O. Olateru-Olagbegi (before he became Director of the Nigerian Law School and later the Olowo of Owo) among other distinguished legal practitioners in Chief Rotimi Williams Chambers. Alas, those mentioned here have all peacefully gone to their rest, but the BLACK TABLE lives on through its current members maintaining the style of “TIMI THE LAW”, the initiator of the BLACK TABLE.

For the Williams family — of which I am a part — his passing is deeply personal. Through his mother, Auntie Kofoworola Williams, he remained a respected and beloved cousin. His wisdom, calm presence, and quiet strength enriched our family gatherings and strengthened our bonds.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Prof Kasumu was an embodiment of values: a perfect gentleman, a devoted husband to his late wife, Mrs Funmilayo Kasumu, and a loving father to his children, all of whom followed his path into the legal profession. He led by example, through achievements that spoke for themselves, and through conduct that reflected the highest ideals of the Bar.

His scholarly contributions, including his co‑authored work on Family Law, remain important pillars in Nigerian legal literature. Until his passing, he was the most senior living Senior Advocate of Nigeria — a leader of the Bar whose wisdom and institutional memory will be greatly missed.

Professor Kasunmu lived a life of fulfilment, service, and honour. We take comfort in knowing that he has now gone to his rest, leaving behind a legacy that will endure in the legal profession, in public service, and in the hearts of all who knew him.

Sun re o, Egbon mi. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Chief (Mrs) Abimbola Williams Akinjide, SAN