Nigerian-born international law scholar, Prof. Dapo Akande, has been elected a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, after securing the required support in concurrent voting by the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
Akande was elected on Tuesday, November 3, 2926, at the UN Headquarters in New York as the United Kingdom’s candidate, following his nomination by the UK national group and support from the British Government. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed his election, describing it as an important development for international justice.
Akande was among four candidates who secured the required majorities in both UN organs during the first round of voting. He reportedly received 11 votes in the 15-member Security Council, above the eight votes required for election.
Despite his Nigerian origin, Akande contested as the UK’s nominee. ICJ judges, however, exercise independent judicial responsibilities and do not represent their governments. He is expected to begin his nine-year tenure on February 6, 2027, joining the 15-member court based in The Hague, Netherlands.
Akande is the Chichele Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, a Fellow of All Souls College and a member of the International Law Commission. He obtained his law degree from the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, in 1992 and qualified as a Nigerian barrister and solicitor in 1993. His career includes advising governments and organisations on international law and participating in proceedings before international courts and tribunals.
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