The UK National Group will nominate Professor Dapo Akande in 2026, for election as a judge to the International Court of Justice, based in The Hague.
His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Joanna Roper CMG in a statement on the UK Government website on Friday, said: “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. Professor Akande reflects the UK’s firm commitment to international justice, human rights and the international rule of law.”
HM Ambassador to the Netherlands represents the UK Government at International Organisations in the Netherlands, including the International Court of Justice.
British-Nigerian scholar and lawyer, Professor Akande, boasts an impressive array of accolades and accomplishments within the realm of public international law.
As the esteemed Chichele Professor of Public International Law at the venerable University of Oxford, Akande has established himself as a leading authority in his field. Additionally, he holds the prestigious position of Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford, and serves as co-director of the esteemed Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict (ELAC).
Akande’s groundbreaking achievements have been recognized and celebrated through various honours. Notably, he became the first Black professor to be immortalised with a portrait at St Peter’s College, Oxford.
Beyond his academic prowess, Akande is a respected thought leader in international law, exemplified by his role as founding editor of EJIL:Talk!, the erudite blog of the European Journal of International Law.
This platform has provided a vital forum for scholarly discourse and debate on pressing issues in international law.
In November 2021, Akande’s expertise and influence were formally acknowledged on the global stage.
He was elected to the United Nations International Law Commission for the term 2023-2027 during the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly. This distinction was made all the more remarkable by his unprecedented nomination by five countries – the United Kingdom, Japan, Kenya, Slovenia, and Nigeria – representing four United Nations regional groups.
This historic nomination underscores Akande’s broad appeal and recognition across diverse geographical and cultural contexts.
