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SIR J. AKINGBOLA AKINOLA, SAN, C.Arb, ELECTED TO THE COUNCIL OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION INSTITUTIONS (IFCAI).

24, June 2026

The African arbitration community has recorded yet another distinguished milestone with the election of Sir Gbola Akinola, SAN, C.Arb, Director of the African Arbitration Association (AfAA), to the Council of the International Federation of Commercial Arbitration Institutions (IFCAI). The election was conducted at the Federation’s General Assembly held on 10 June 2026.

Sir Akinola emerged as one of fourteen successful candidates returned elected to the Council following a voting process conducted before representatives of member institutions drawn from across diverse jurisdictions. His election constitutes a fitting recognition of his sustained and distinguished contributions to the development of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, both within Africa and on the international stage.

This achievement further underscores the growing prominence of African leadership in the shaping of global dispute resolution frameworks and in the strengthening of international collaboration among arbitral institutions.

Sir Akinola, SAN, brings to the Council a wealth of experience spanning arbitration practice, institutional leadership, and legal advocacy. Through his sustained engagement with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), the African Arbitration Association (AfAA), the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) and other professional bodies, he has played a pivotal role in advancing arbitration and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms across the continent.

Reacting to the announcement, members of the arbitration community have described the election as a welcome development for Africa’s representation within the governance structures of international arbitration, and as a clear affirmation of confidence in Sir Akinola’s professional acumen and abiding commitment to the advancement of the field.

It is anticipated that this election will further deepen engagement between African arbitral institutions and the wider global arbitration community, while opening fresh avenues for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and institutional development.

IFCAI serves as a premier international platform for cooperation among arbitral institutions worldwide, with its Council charged with providing strategic direction for the advancement of international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution initiatives.