Nigerian-British Professor Dapo Akande Elected Judge of International Court of Justice

Nigerian-British international law scholar, Professor Dapo Akande, has been elected a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, in a major achievement for his international legal career.

Akande, who was nominated by the United Kingdom, is expected to serve a nine-year term beginning in February 2027 and ending in 2036.

His election brings a Nigerian-born legal scholar to the world’s highest court for the settlement of disputes between states.

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Dapo Akande’s Election to the International Court of Justice

The election marks a significant milestone in Akande’s distinguished career in international law, legal scholarship and dispute resolution.

He currently serves as the Chichele Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford and is a Fellow of All Souls College.

Akande is also a member of the United Nations International Law Commission, a body responsible for promoting the progressive development and codification of international law.

Through his academic and professional engagements, he has advised governments and international organisations and appeared before several international courts and tribunals.

Academic Background and Legal Career

Akande obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ife in 1992 before qualifying as a barrister and solicitor in Nigeria in 1993.

He subsequently built an international career spanning legal practice, academic research and international dispute resolution.

His work in public international law has earned him recognition within the global legal community, particularly in matters involving international institutions, state responsibility and the application of international law.

Nigeria Reacts to Akande’s Election

Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as another significant achievement for Nigeria at the United Nations.

Ibrahim said Nigeria had only one major milestone left to achieve what he described as its 100 per cent United Nations ambition: securing membership of the United Nations Security Council.

Akande’s election is expected to further highlight Nigeria’s contribution to international legal scholarship and global diplomacy.

Newsworld | Henryrich Ojo