Nigerian-trained international lawyer, Professor Dapo Akande, has been elected a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) following a United Nations vote on Tuesday.

Akande, a Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, will serve a nine-year term at the world’s principal judicial body, which settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on international legal questions.

His election marks the return of a United Kingdom judge to the court after nine years, according to a statement by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The British government said Akande secured the support of a majority of UN member states in what it described as a closely contested election.

The campaign was supported by the British Prime Minister, ministers and diplomats across the world.

Welcoming the development, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Akande’s election demonstrated Britain’s commitment to international law and its role in 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 added that Akande would bring integrity, legal rigour and independent expertise to the court.

Akande pledges independent service

Reacting to his election, Akande expressed gratitude to UN member states for their confidence and pledged to carry out his responsibilities independently.

“I am deeply honoured to be elected to the International Court of Justice,” he said.

The professor also promised to decide cases through an impartial application of the law and contribute to resolving international disputes peacefully.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband congratulated Akande, describing his legal expertise, independence and commitment to international law as valuable assets to the court and the international community.

Nigerian-trained lawyer’s international experience

According to the UK government’s statement, Akande is a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and an elected member of the United Nations International Law Commission.

Originally qualified as a lawyer in Nigeria, he has nearly three decades of experience as an international law scholar and practitioner.

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

Akande has also advised governments across all five UN regional groups, as well as international organisations such as the United Nations and African Union.

He studied at the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics and Obafemi Awolowo University.

The International Court of Justice, based in The Hague, Netherlands, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It adjudicates legal disputes submitted by states and provides advisory opinions to authorised UN bodies.