Nigerian-born Dapo Akande elected to International Court of Justice; Burnham, Miliband hail appointment

A new UK judge, Professor Dapo Akande, has been elected Tuesday to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Mr Akande was elected to the ICJ following a close UN vote, as the “leading” international lawyer and academic received support from most UN member states.

The UK government noted that the election “underlines” its commitment to the international rule of law as the UK judge returns to the ICJ after almost a decade.

“In an ever more challenging world, Professor Akande will play a key, independent role in ensuring the Court continues to uphold the international rule of law,” the UK government said in a statement on Tuesday.

For almost a decade, the UK has had no judge at the International Court of Justice, according to the British government. But following a campaign backed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, UK ministers and diplomats across the world, Mr Akande “will now be a judge at the ICJ for the next nine years”.

Mr Burnham said, “This election is a clear signal to our partners that the UK is back on the world stage and ready to play our part in ensuring global stability and upholding the rule of law.

“Professor Akande will bring integrity, legal rigour and independent expertise to the International Court of Justice and I am incredibly proud that he is representing the UK.”

Mr Akande said he was honoured to be elected to the ICJ. 

“I am incredibly grateful to all the states that have put their faith in me. I pledge to serve with independence and to deciding cases on the basis of a faithful and impartial application of the law,” said Mr Akande. “I look forward to contributing to the ICJ’s vital work in helping to resolve disputes by peaceful means, alongside the other colleagues elected today.” 

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said, “Everywhere I go around the world, people tell me how impressive Professor Akande is and we have been proud to support his campaign. I am confident that his legal expertise, independence and commitment to international law will make him an asset to the Court and the international community.” 

The British government reiterated that Mr Akande’s emergence as ICJ judge “is a victory for the UK’s commitment to the rule of law and our ability to stand up for our values on the world stage”.

A professor of Public International Law and a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, Mr Akande is also an elected member of the UN International Law Commission.

Originally qualified as a lawyer in Nigeria, and now one of the UK’s foremost international lawyers, with nearly three decades of experience as a scholar and practitioner, Mr Akande has built a career of global reach.

He has acted as counsel, adviser and expert in cases before international courts and tribunals, including the ICJ.

As an independent practitioner, he has advised governments from States across all five UN regional groups, as well as international organisations including the UN and the African Union.