UK Government Backs Nigeria-Born Law Expert Dapo Akande For 2026 ICJ Election

UK Government Backs Nigeria-Born Law Expert Dapo Akande For 2026 ICJ Election

The UK government has announced plans to nominate Professor Dapo Akande, a Nigerian-born expert in Public International Law, for the 2026 International Court of Justice (ICJ) election. The announcement was made by Joanna Roper, the UK’s Ambassador to The Netherlands and the UK representative to the ICJ. Akande’s nomination has already garnered international support from the UK, Nigeria, Japan, Kenya, and Slovenia.

Akande, a distinguished professor at the University of Oxford, was previously elected to the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC) in 2021. His expertise and decades-long experience in international law have positioned him as a leading candidate for the ICJ position.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Akande expressed his gratitude for the nomination, stating that it is an honor to be the UK’s nominee for the prestigious ICJ role. Born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, Akande has an impressive legal background with over 25 years of experience. He earned his LLB from Obafemi Awolowo University and has since advised and represented various international organizations and courts, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court.

The UK government’s nomination reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law and international justice, with hopes that Akande’s candidacy will strengthen global legal frameworks.