The United Kingdom government has announced its intention to nominate Dapo Akande, a professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, for election as a judge at the International Court of Justice in 2026.
This was disclosed by Joanna Roper, the UK’s Ambassador to The Netherlands and representative to the ICJ, who confirmed that Akande’s nomination would take place in 2026.
Akande was previously elected to the United Nations (UN) International Law Commission (ILC) in November 2021.
His nomination was jointly supported by the UK, Nigeria, Japan, Kenya, and Slovenia.
According to report, in February 2021, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced Akande as the UK’s choice for the International Law Commission from 2023 to 2027.
“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.
“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,” Roper said in a statement on the UK government website.
Akande, in a post on social media late Wednesday night, expressed his gratitude for the nomination.
He stated, “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.”
Punch/Oluwabusayo Oyinloye
