Nigerian-trained international lawyer, Professor Dapo Akande, has been elected a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) following a voting process involving the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.
Akande, a Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, will serve a nine-year tenure at the UN’s principal judicial body, which settles legal disputes between countries and issues advisory opinions on international law matters.
His election represents the return of a United Kingdom judge to the court after a nine-year gap, according to a statement released on Tuesday by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The British government disclosed that Akande received the backing of a majority of UN member states in what it described as a closely contested election.
It added that his candidacy was supported by the Prime Minister, government ministers and British diplomats around the world.
Reacting to the outcome, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Akande’s election reflected the UK’s commitment to international law and its contribution to global affairs.
“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,” Burnham said.
He noted that Akande would bring integrity, legal rigour and independent expertise to the court.
In his response, Akande said he was honoured by the trust placed in him by UN member states, promising to perform his duties independently and impartially.
“I pledge to serve with independence and to deciding cases on the basis of a faithful and impartial application of the law,” he said, adding that he looked forward to supporting the court’s efforts to resolve disputes through peaceful means.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also congratulated Akande, saying his legal knowledge, independence and dedication to international law would make him a valuable addition to the court and the international community.
The statement noted that Akande is a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and an elected member of the UN International Law Commission.
Although he initially qualified as a lawyer in Nigeria, he has accumulated nearly 30 years of experience as an international law academic and practitioner.
He has worked as counsel, adviser and expert in cases before international courts and tribunals, including the ICJ.
In his capacity as an independent practitioner, Akande has also provided legal advice to governments across the five UN regional groups and international organisations, including the United Nations and the African Union.
He received his education at the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics and Obafemi Awolowo University.
The ICJ is mandated to resolve legal disputes brought before it by states and issue advisory opinions on legal matters referred to it by authorised UN institutions.