In a powerful wave of achievement and representation, four Nigerian-born or heritage leaders have assumed top civic positions across the United Kingdom, marking a historic moment for the Nigerian diaspora and highlighting the increasing diversity in British local government.
Princess Opeyemi Bright
At the forefront of this breakthrough is Princess Opeyemi Bright, who has etched her name in the history books as the youngest Mayor in the United Kingdom.
At just 29 years old, she was officially inaugurated as the First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham on Friday, May 16, 2025.
“This is nothing short of God’s grace,” she declared in her acceptance speech. “I’m proud to serve my borough, and as a proud Nigerian, I will represent my heritage with humility and excellence. May this journey inspire others to lead, serve, and rise.”
Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Bright launched her political career at 22 when she was elected as a councillor. Over the past seven years, she has become a notable advocate for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic opportunity.
Her achievement carries the legacy of leadership, as her mother, Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, served as Mayor of Hackney from 2006 to 2007, while her father, Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, is a respected clergyman in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Bright’s rise is part of a broader wave of Nigerians leaving their mark on global politics, joining the ranks of UK Secretary of State Kemi Badenoch, Labour MP Chi Onwurah, Canadian Minister Uzoma Asagwara, and U.S. Congresswoman Esther Agbaje.
Adekunle Osibogun,
Another Nigerian, Dr. Adekunle Osibogun, has also made strides in public leadership as he was elected Deputy Mayor of Buckingham, a historic market town in Buckinghamshire, South East England. Osibogun, who represents Buckingham South on the Town Council and Buckingham East on the County Council, will serve in the role for a year, assisting the Mayor in council duties and championing local community initiatives.
Having arrived in Buckingham in 2004 for his second undergraduate degree, Osibogun has been a fixture in the town’s civic landscape and was previously a House of Representatives candidate in Nigeria’s 2019 general elections. His new responsibilities include overseeing public services, community engagement, budget scrutiny, and representing the town at official functions.
Jason Utitofon Jackson
Meanwhile, in Islington, Councillor Jason Utitofon Jackson was sworn in as Mayor for the 2025–2026 term during the Annual Council meeting held on May 15. A trailblazer in every sense, Cllr. Jackson is now the first Black Mayor of Islington.
A long-standing advocate for social justice, youth employment, and mental health, he is renowned for leading the borough’s groundbreaking “Young Black Men and Mental Health” initiative.
“It’s an honour to serve as Mayor of the borough that helped shape me,” Jackson said. “This year, I’ll focus on celebrating our diversity, backing local businesses, and helping every neighbourhood thrive. When we work together, we all thrive.”
Born in Nigeria and raised in Hackney, Jackson studied in Islington before earning a Master’s in Big Data in Culture and Society at King’s College London. Alongside his civic duties, he co-founded the Black Policy Institute, a think tank focused on equitable national policies.
In his emotional acceptance speech, he paid tribute to his roots, saying, “This isn’t just my victory, it belongs to every young African child looking for their reflection in leadership. I carry Islington, Akwa Ibom, and the hopes of many on my shoulders.”
Cllr. Rosaline Ogunro will serve as his Deputy Mayor, with her son Zulu Ogunro as her Consort.
Sunny Lambe
In Southwark, the chain of office has also passed to a Nigerian as Councillor Sunny Lambe was elected as Mayor for the 2025–2026 municipal year. Representing the South Bermondsey ward since 2014, Lambe brings over three decades of experience in grassroots activism, public service, and business leadership.
A co-founder of organisations such as the Black Labour Movement UK and the Southwark Youth Enterprise Project, Lambe is a passionate advocate for equality and social justice.
In his acceptance speech, he reflected on his journey since arriving in the UK from Nigeria in 1986: “Many people go to the US in search of their American Dream. This is my British Dream. I never thought one day that I would become the first citizen of this great historical borough. It is a great privilege and honour.”
Reacting to these remarkable achievements, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, congratulated all four leaders for their historic appointments. In a statement issued by NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit, Dabiri-Erewa described their victories as record-breaking milestones showcasing dedication, resilience, and excellence.
She specifically commended Princess Bright and Mayor Jackson for their pioneering roles as the youngest Mayor and the first Black Mayor of Islington, respectively. She also celebrated Dr. Osibogun’s re-election and Cllr. Lambe’s continued rise in local leadership.
“These appointments are a testament to the power of perseverance and community service,” she said. “May they continue to shine, lead with integrity, and inspire generations to come.”
