Nigerian-trained professor, Dapo Akande, elected ICJ judge

Nigerian-trained international lawyer, Professor Dapo Akande, has been elected a judge of the International Court of Justice following a United Nations vote on Tuesday.

Akande, a Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, will serve a nine-year term at the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations responsible for resolving legal disputes between countries and providing advisory opinions on international legal matters.

His election marks the return of a United Kingdom judge to the court after a nine-year absence, according to a statement by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The British government said Akande secured the support of a majority of UN member states after a closely contested election.

The UK government said his election followed a campaign backed by the Prime Minister, ministers, and British diplomats worldwide. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the development as a demonstration of Britain’s commitment to international law and global stability.

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Reacting to his election, Akande expressed gratitude to UN member states for their confidence, pledging to discharge his duties with independence and impartiality. He said he would ensure that cases were decided through a faithful application of international law while contributing to the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also congratulated the professor, describing his legal expertise, independence and commitment to international law as valuable assets to the court and the international community.

Akande is a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and an elected member of the United Nations International Law Commission. He is an alumnus of the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics and Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.

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