The United Kingdom government has announced its intention to nominate Dapo Akande, a professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, for election as a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2026.
This was disclosed by Joanna Roper, the UK’s Ambassador to The Netherlands and representative to the ICJ, who confirmed that Akande’s nomination would take place in 2026.
Akande whose nomination was jointly supported by the UK, Nigeria, Japan, Kenya, and Slovenia was previously elected to the United Nations (UN) International Law Commission (ILC) in November 2021.
In February 2021, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced Akande as the UK’s choice for the International Law Commission from 2023 to 2027.
“The UK is pleased to announce that Professor Dapo Akande will be nominated for election as a judge to the International Court of Justice in 2026 by the UK National Group.
“Professor Akande is an outstanding international lawyer who will bring deep legal expertise and experience to the ICJ.
“He reflects the UK’s firm commitment to international justice, human rights, and the rule of law,” Roper said in a statement on the UK government website.
Akande, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) late Wednesday night, expressed his gratitude for the nomination.
He stated, “It is an honour to be the United Kingdom’s intended nominee for election to the International Court of Justice in 2026.
“I am grateful to the UK national group and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office for their support.”
Akande, born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, earned his Bachelor of Law (LLB) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He has over 25 years of legal experience and is regarded as a leading expert in public international law.
He began his legal career as a research assistant to the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the late Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN).
Akande has served as counsel in various international legal cases before the ICJ, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the World Trade Organisation, the International Criminal Court, and the European Court of Human Rights.
Additionally, he has acted as a consultant to numerous international organisations, including the United Nations, African Union, NATO, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
