Professor Dapo Akande, an internationally recognized legal scholar who qualified as a lawyer in Nigeria, has been elected a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
Akande secured the position following a United Nations vote held on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. He will serve a nine-year term, beginning in February 2027 and running until 2036.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in his distinguished career in international law and academia. Although nominated by the United Kingdom, Akande originally qualified as a lawyer in Nigeria and holds Nigerian-British nationality.
He is the Chichele Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, a Fellow of All Souls College and a member of the United Nations International Law Commission.
Over nearly three decades, Akande has built extensive experience in international legal practice, advising governments and international organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union. He has also served as counsel, adviser and expert in cases before international courts and tribunals, including the ICJ.
His election will restore British representation on the 15-member court after a nine-year absence. The court is responsible for resolving legal disputes between states and issuing advisory opinions on questions of international law.
Reacting to his election, Akande expressed gratitude to the countries that supported his candidacy and pledged to carry out his duties independently and impartially.
He said he looked forward to contributing to the court’s work in resolving international disputes through peaceful means.
The election highlights Akande’s international standing as a legal expert whose professional journey began with legal training in Nigeria before extending to the global stage.
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