Kalu Hails Akande’s Election as ICJ Judge, Says Nigeria and Africa Proud

Abuja (Core Reporters) – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has congratulated Nigerian-born Professor Dapo Akande on his election as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), describing the achievement as a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa.

In a congratulatory statement, Kalu said he was delighted to celebrate the achievement of an outstanding scholar of exceptional intellect and international standing from Oyo State.

He recalled receiving Professor Akande, the United Kingdom’s candidate for the ICJ, at the National Assembly on June 3, 2026, alongside officials of the British High Commission, during which he expressed strong support for his candidacy.

Kalu said at the meeting: “As Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is my honour to receive Professor Akande and to say clearly, as a Nigerian and as a parliamentarian, that his candidacy for the International Court of Justice for the term 2027 to 2036 is one that commands the admiration and personal support of this House.

“The nomination of a Nigerian-born scholar to the world’s highest judicial bench is not symbolic. It is structural recognition of a shared legal destiny.

“Africa’s presence on the world’s highest bench is not a matter of sentiment. It is a matter of justice. And in this House, we have always believed that justice delayed is not merely a legal failure. It is a moral one.”

The Deputy Speaker noted that Professor Akande’s election underscored the excellence Nigeria continues to offer the international community while strengthening Africa’s representation and voice on the world’s highest judicial bench.

Professor Akande, a Nigerian-trained lawyer and Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, was elected on November 3, 2026, by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council to serve a nine-year term on the 15-member court.

Kalu expressed confidence that Akande’s extensive experience, profound knowledge of international law and commitment to justice would make significant contributions to the work of the court and the advancement of the rule of law globally.

“I am very delighted to extend heartfelt congratulations to our own Professor Dapo Akande on his election to the International Court of Justice.

“Professor Akande’s victory is a testament to the excellence that Nigeria continues to offer the world. It also strengthens Africa’s presence and voice at the world’s highest judicial bench.

“I have no doubt that his vast experience, deep knowledge of international law and commitment to justice will make a significant contribution to the work of the Court and the advancement of the rule of law globally.

“Congratulations once again, Professor Dapo Akande. Nigeria is proud of you, and Africa celebrates this remarkable achievement with you,” Kalu said.