Nigerian Bar Council: Chief Folake Solanke Becomes Nigeria's Most Senior Living SAN

• Professor Alfred Kasunmu passed away on August 9, 2026, at the age of 92.
• His death has made Chief Folake Solanke the most senior living SAN and statutory vice-chairman of BOSAN.
• Kasunmu was a renowned lawyer and scholar with a remarkable career spanning multiple roles.
• He was a respected mentor, scholar, and advocate who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian legal profession.

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

Professor Alfred Kasunmu, a renowned lawyer and scholar, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, at the age of 92. His death has significant implications for the Nigerian legal profession, as he was the most senior living Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and statutory vice-chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN). With his passing, Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, has become the new most senior living SAN and statutory vice-chairman of BOSAN. Kasunmu's remarkable career spanned multiple roles, including Attorney-General of Lagos State and Professor of Law at Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Lagos. He was also a member of the Baptist Academy Class of 1953 and trustee of the Baptist Academy Old Students Association.

The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) is an esteemed group of senior lawyers who have been recognized for their exceptional skills and contributions to the legal profession. As statutory vice-chairman, Chief Folake Solanke will now play a crucial role in shaping the direction of BOSAN and setting precedents for future generations of lawyers. The position carries significant weight, not only within the Nigerian Bar Council but also in the broader legal community. Lawyers should note that with Professor Kasunmu's passing, there may be implications for ongoing legal proceedings and precedent-setting cases.

Professor Alfred Kasunmu's legacy extends far beyond his impressive list of accomplishments. He was a respected mentor, scholar, and advocate who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian legal profession. His passing serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the values and principles that define our profession. Chief Folake Solanke's elevation to the position of most senior living SAN and statutory vice-chairman of BOSAN is a testament to her own outstanding contributions to the field, and it is essential that we recognize and celebrate her achievements.

Lawyers should note that with Professor Kasunmu's passing, Chief Folake Solanke has become the most senior living SAN and statutory vice-chairman of BOSAN, which may have implications for legal proceedings and precedent-setting cases.

Source: Original reporting via Pinheiro