The United Kingdom has announced plans 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 (ICJ) in 2026. This was confirmed by Joanna Roper, the UK’s Ambassador to The Netherlands and representative to the ICJ, who stated that Akande’s nomination will take place in 2026.

Akande, who was elected to the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC) in November 2021, has received joint support from the UK, Nigeria, Japan, Kenya, and Slovenia.

In February 2021, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced Akande as the UK’s nominee for the International Law Commission from 2023 to 2027. Roper highlighted the UK’s commitment to international justice, human rights, and the rule of law, noting Akande’s deep legal expertise and experience as essential qualities he would bring to the ICJ.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Akande expressed his gratitude, stating it is an honor to be the UK’s intended nominee for the ICJ election in 2026. He thanked the UK National Group and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office for their support.

Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Akande earned his Bachelor of Law (LLB) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and has over 25 years of legal experience. Recognized as a leading expert in public international law, he began his career as a research assistant to the late Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN), former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Akande has acted as counsel in several high-profile international legal cases before the ICJ, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the World Trade Organization, the International Criminal Court, and the European Court of Human Rights. He has also served as a consultant to many international organizations, including the United Nations, African Union, NATO, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.