The United Kingdom (UK) government has announced its intention to nominate Professor Dapo Akande, a distinguished professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, for election as a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2026.
Joanna Roper, the UK’s Ambassador to the Netherlands and representative to the ICJ, confirmed the nomination. “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,” Roper stated.
“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.”
The nomination is also supported by Nigeria, Japan, Kenya, and Slovenia, highlighting Akande’s esteemed international reputation. This broad backing reflects his significant contributions to international law.
In November 2021, Akande was elected to the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC), a body responsible for developing and codifying international law. This role further established his credentials as a leading figure in the field.
On Wednesday night, Akande expressed his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “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.”
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Born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, Akande completed his LLB at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. With more than 25 years of legal experience, he has become a renowned expert in public international law. His career began as a research assistant to Bola Ajibola, a former Attorney-General of Nigeria.
Akande’s extensive experience includes serving as counsel in international litigation before the ICJ, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), World Trade Organisation (WTO), International Criminal Court (ICC), and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Additionally, he has consulted for several international organisations, including the ICC, UN, African Union (AU), NATO, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The UK’s nomination of Professor Akande underscores its commitment to advancing international justice and highlights Akande’s distinguished career in international law.
