Nigerian-trained international law scholar, Professor Dapo Akande, has been elected as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
Akande, a Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, was elected following a United Nations vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and will serve a nine-year term at the world court.
His election marks the return of a United Kingdom judge to the ICJ after a nine-year absence, according to a statement by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The British government said Akande secured the support of a majority of UN member states following a closely contested election, which was supported by the Prime Minister, ministers and British diplomats.
Reacting to his election, Akande expressed appreciation to the countries that supported his candidacy, pledging to discharge his responsibilities independently and impartially.
He said he would contribute to resolving international disputes through the peaceful application of international law.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham congratulated the professor, describing his election as a demonstration of the United Kingdom’s commitment to international law and global stability.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also welcomed the development, expressing confidence that Akande’s legal expertise, independence and experience would strengthen the work of the international court.
Akande has nearly three decades of experience as an international law scholar and practitioner. He initially qualified as a lawyer in Nigeria before building an international career in legal research, teaching and practice.
He is a Fellow of All Souls College, University of Oxford, and an elected member of the United Nations International Law Commission.
Throughout his career, he has served as counsel, adviser and expert in cases before international courts and tribunals, including the International Court of Justice.
He has also advised governments across all five United Nations regional groups and international organisations, including the United Nations and the African Union.
Akande studied at Obafemi Awolowo University, the London School of Economics and the University of Oxford.
The United Kingdom announced his nomination as its candidate for the International Law Commission in 2021, for the 2023–2027 term. He was subsequently nominated as the UK’s candidate for election to the ICJ in 2024.
The International Court of Justice, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, settles legal disputes submitted by states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations bodies.
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