The United Kingdom has announced plans to nominate Nigerian-born Professor Dapo Akande for election as a judge to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2026. The nomination will be made by the UK National Group, with the selection process set to take place at the ICJ, based in The Hague.
In a press statement on Friday, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Joanna Roper CMG, emphasizes the UK’s confidence in Professor Akande’s legal expertise.
“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,” Roper said. “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 international rule of law.”
Professor Akande is a highly respected figure in international law, with extensive experience in legal academia and practice. His potential election to the ICJ would further solidify the UK’s role in supporting global justice and governance.
The ICJ, also known as the World Court, is the principal judicial body of the United Nations, tasked with settling disputes between countries and offering advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by international bodies.
Roper, as the UK’s ambassador, also represents the British government in international organizations located in the Netherlands, including the ICJ, further highlighting the importance of this nomination.
If elected, Akande would join a body of 15 judges who serve nine-year terms, adjudicating critical international disputes and interpreting key questions of international law.
By Gabriel Ani
