Professor Dapo Akanke elected to International Court of Justice for nine‑year term

On 3 November 2026, Dapo Akanke, a Nigerian national who previously practiced law in his home country, was selected to sit on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a position he will hold while occupying the Chichele Chair in Public International Law at Oxford University. The election was conducted simultaneously by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council at the UN headquarters in New York. The appointee is set to occupy one of the fifteen seats on the global court, which resolves conflicts between nations and provides advisory guidance on international legal matters, for a period of at least nine years.

According to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Akanke obtained the necessary majority of votes from United Nations members following a narrowly decided election. The British government said the campaign was backed by the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, senior ministers and British diplomats worldwide. Burnham expressed approval of the outcome, asserting that it reflects the nation’s dedication to international legal frameworks and its engagement on the world stage.

Background

Akanke’s professional history covers almost thirty years of work within the fields of public international law, academic research, and the resolution of international disputes. Following his initial legal certification in Nigeria, he embarked on an academic trajectory that resulted in his role as Chichele Professor at Oxford, a fellowship at All Souls College, and a shared leadership position at the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict. Additionally, he serves on the United Nations International Law Commission and practices as a barrister at Essex Court Chambers. His experience includes representing parties before international courts, including the ICJ, and holding visiting professorships at institutions such as Yale Law School and the University of Melbourne Law School, where he was the 2015 Sir Ninian Stephen Visiting Scholar.

Akanke’s election ends a nine‑year absence of a United Kingdom judge on the ICJ bench. The last UK judge left the court in 2017, and his appointment is therefore seen as a diplomatic victory for Britain. The UN vote involved both the General Assembly and the Security Council, reflecting the dual‑track election process prescribed for ICJ judges.

Why it matters

The ICJ plays a crucial role in resolving interstate disputes and providing legal guidance on matters such as territorial claims, maritime boundaries and humanitarian law. Akanke’s expertise in public international law and his experience before international tribunals are expected to contribute to the court’s work on these issues. His election also signals the United Kingdom’s renewed presence in a key UN institution, which may influence the perception of the UK’s commitment to the rule of law on the global stage. The Prime Minister’s comments highlighted the political significance, describing the result as a “clear signal” that the UK is ready to help ensure global stability.

What happens next

Akanke will take up his duties at the ICJ in The Hague later in 2026, joining the existing roster of judges for a term that runs until 2035. The court’s docket includes several high‑profile cases concerning territorial disputes and the interpretation of international treaties, which Akanke will be called upon to adjudicate. The United Kingdom and other member states are expected to monitor his contributions, particularly in cases where British interests are directly involved.