The Traffic

UK to Nominate Renowned Yoruba Professor to International Court of Justice

Razaq Ivori 

In a historic move, the United Kingdom National Group has announced its intention to nominate Professor Dapo Akande, a distinguished expert of Yoruba origin, as a judge to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. This groundbreaking nomination, set to take place in 2026, will mark a significant milestone as Professor Akande will be the first African to be nominated for this esteemed position.

The announcement was made by His Majesty's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Joanna Roper CMG, who highlighted Professor Akande's exceptional expertise and qualifications. This nomination is a testament to the UK's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in international institutions.

Professor Akande's nomination is expected to be a significant achievement for Africa and the Yoruba community, marking a major breakthrough in the continent's representation in international justice. The ICJ, also known as the World Court, is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations, and Professor Akande's nomination will bring a unique perspective and expertise to the court.

The nomination is set to take place in 2026, and if successful, Professor Akande will join the ranks of esteemed judges who have shaped international law and justice. This historic nomination is a proud moment for the UK, Nigeria, and the Yoruba community, and we look forward to following Professor Akande's journey to the ICJ.

Professor Dapo Akande is a British-Nigerian academic and lawyer who has made significant contributions to the field of international law ¹. He is the Chichele Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford. Akande is also the co-director of the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law, and Armed Conflict and has taught law at several prestigious universities, including the University of Cambridge and the London School of Economics ¹.

Akande has published numerous papers and books on international law, including "The Individualisation of War: Ethics, Law and Politics" and "Oxford Guide to International Humanitarian Law" ¹. He has also worked as an advisor to various governments and international organizations, including the African Union and the International Committee of the Red Cross ¹.

In 2021, Akande was elected to the United Nations International Law Commission for the term 2023-2027, a position that is considered the pinnacle for an academic lawyer ². He was nominated by the United Kingdom, Japan, Kenya, Slovenia, and Nigeria, making him the first candidate to be nominated by countries from four United Nations regional groups in the history of the International Law Commission.

Professor Dapo Akande's nomination to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will have a significant impact on Africa in several ways:

1. Increased African representation: Akande's nomination will mark the first time an African will be nominated for the ICJ, increasing the continent's representation in international justice.

2. Enhanced African perspectives: As an African scholar, Akande will bring unique perspectives and expertise to the ICJ, enriching the court's understanding of international law and its application in African contexts.

3. Strengthened African voice: Akande's presence on the ICJ will amplify Africa's voice in international legal matters, enabling the continent to more effectively advocate for its interests.

4. Inspiration and role model: Akande's nomination will inspire African scholars and lawyers, demonstrating the potential for Africans to hold prominent positions in international institutions.

5. Improved international cooperation: Akande's expertise and experience working with international organizations will foster greater cooperation between Africa and the international community on legal matters.

6. Enhanced credibility: Akande's nomination will enhance the credibility of African scholars and lawyers globally, showcasing their expertise and contributions to international law.

7. Increased access to justice: Akande's presence on the ICJ may lead to increased access to justice for African countries and individuals, as he will be better positioned to understand and address their concerns.

Overall, Professor Akande's nomination will be a significant milestone for Africa, promoting greater representation, perspectives, and influence in international justice.