Professor Dapo Akande, whose legal career spans nearly three decades, has been elected to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), becoming the United Kingdom’s first judge on the court in nine years.
Akande, a professor of public international law at the University of Oxford, secured election following voting by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council on Tuesday. He will serve a nine-year term on the court, which adjudicates disputes between states and issues advisory opinions on international law.
Originally qualified as a lawyer in Nigeria, Akande has built an international career advising governments and organisations on legal matters. His work has included serving as counsel, adviser and expert in cases before international courts and tribunals, including the ICJ itself.
He is also a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and an elected member of the UN International Law Commission.
Akande pledged to exercise his judicial responsibilities independently and impartially after his election.
“I pledge to serve with independence and to deciding cases on the basis of a faithful and impartial application of the law,” he said, expressing gratitude to the countries that supported his candidacy.
The UK government backed his campaign, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham describing the outcome as a sign of Britain’s commitment to international law and global stability.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also welcomed the result, citing Akande’s legal expertise and independence as strengths he would bring to the court.
The ICJ is composed of 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council. Its decisions in contentious cases concern disputes between states, while its advisory opinions address legal questions referred by authorised UN bodies.
Akande’s election restores British representation on the court after a nine-year gap.
Nigerian-Trained Lawyer Dapo Akande Wins Seat on UN’s Top Court
