Kalu Hails Dapo Akande’s Election as ICJ Judge, Says Victory Boosts Africa’s Judicial Voice
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, 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 development as a landmark achievement that strengthens Nigeria’s and Africa’s representation at the world’s highest judicial bench.
Kalu’s congratulatory message was contained in a press release issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, by the Office of the Deputy Speaker and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu.
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 ICJ.
In the statement, Kalu described the election as a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa, commending Akande as a scholar of exceptional intellect and global standing from Oyo State.
The Deputy Speaker recalled receiving Akande, the United Kingdom’s candidate for the ICJ, at the National Assembly on June 3, 2026, alongside officials of the British High Commission, where he expressed support for his candidacy.
“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,” Kalu had said.
He noted that Akande’s nomination to the international judicial institution represented more than symbolic recognition of Nigeria’s contribution to global jurisprudence.
“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,” he stated.
Kalu further stressed that Africa’s representation at the ICJ was a matter of justice and fairness, rather than sentiment.
“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,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker said Akande’s election reflected the excellence Nigeria continues to offer the international community and would further amplify Africa’s voice in global judicial affairs.
“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,” Kalu said.
He concluded by expressing pride in the achievement, stating: “Congratulations once again, Professor Dapo Akande. Nigeria is proud of you, and Africa celebrates this remarkable achievement with you.”
