Dapo Akande elected to the International Court of Justice
The UK government announced November 3 that international-law professor Dapo Akande had been elected to a nine-year ICJ term.
What the record says
Professor Dapo Akande has been elected as a judge of the International Court of Justice, the UK government announced November 3. Akande is a professor of public international law and fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and an elected member of the UN International Law Commission. Originally qualified as a lawyer in Nigeria, he has worked as counsel, adviser and expert before international courts and tribunals. The government said he was elected for a nine-year term. In the announcement, Akande pledged to act independently and apply the law impartially. The election places an experienced international-law scholar and practitioner on the Court; it does not determine the outcome of any pending case.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Read the official election announcement for Akande’s background and statement.
Limits and what is not established
The announcement establishes election, not that he has already begun hearing cases. This report makes no prediction about his rulings or the outcome of disputes.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: original information