From Janet Adegoke’s trailblazing mayoralty in 1987 to the historic swearing-in of three Nigerian-British mayors in London this May, Nigerians in the UK have steadily built a remarkable record of civic leadership. Their journeys—spanning healthcare, education, activism, and community service—reflect resilience, public commitment, and an enduring connection to their heritage.
Pioneers Who Broke the Ground
Janet Adegoke– Hammersmith & Fulham, 1987
Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, Adegoke became the first Black woman to serve as mayor of a London borough. Her term in Hammersmith & Fulham set a precedent for minority representation in local government.
Allan Minns– Thetford, 1904 (historical note)
Though predating Nigerian migration waves, Minns—born in the Bahamas to a father of African descent—was the first known Black mayor in the UK. He paved the way for later African and Caribbean representation.
A Growing Presence in the 2000s–2010s
Tayo Situ (late) – Southwark, 2010
Situ brought Southwark’s diverse communities together. Situ hailed from Osun State, came to the UK as a student at the age of 33 and over the years served as a councillor representing Peckham in Southwark council and eventually became its mayor in 2010.
Anna Mbachu– Waltham Forest, 2010
Nigerian-born and a committed Labour councillor, Mbachu’s mayoralty amplified voices for health equality and housing justice.
Olugbenga Babatola– Greenwich, 2016
The first African mayor of Greenwich Borough, Babatola’s term spotlighted multiculturalism and community integration.
Sanchia Alasia – Barking & Dagenham, 2018
A health promotion specialist and Labour councillor, Alasia focused her mayoral year on anti-knife crime initiatives.
Emmanuel Trailor– Becon, 2018
Trailor’s mayoralty further cemented Nigerian-born leadership in local governance.
Two-Term Leaders and Distinguished Public Servants
Ernest Nnaama Ezeajughi – Brent, 2019 & 2020
Born in Awgbu Town, Anambra State, Ezeajughi moved to the UK in 2004. After a career in public health and pharmaceuticals, he entered politics—first with Nigeria’s APGA in the UK, then as a Labour councillor. As Brent’s mayor, he championed the Sickle Cell Society and Jason Roberts Foundation, and embraced the borough’s extraordinary cultural diversity.
Kate Anolue– Enfield, 2012 & 2019
A trained midwife and lawyer, Anolue’s double tenure as mayor was marked by advocacy for sickle cell awareness, youth in care, and support for lone mothers through her charity, TenderCare. She has received numerous awards and traditional honours in Nigeria.
Adedamola Aminu – Lambeth, 2014
Elected mayor after years as a councillor and deputy mayor, Aminu brought decades of community service and youth sports coaching experience. He remains a leading voice for British-Nigerian representation in civic life.
Donatus Anyawu – Lambeth, 2015
Following Aminu as mayor, Anyawu continued the tradition of Nigerian-born leadership in Lambeth’s civic office.
Michael Situ – Southwark, 2023-2024
Council member for council homes and the son of late Mayor of Southwark (2010), Tayo Situ.
The New Wave: May 2025 Historic Trio
Sunny Lambé – Southwark
Elected in May 2025, Lambé is a Labour & Co-operative councillor known for his decades of work in trade unionism, youth empowerment, and black professional advocacy. His mayoral charities focus on youth development, women affected by abuse, and community cohesion.
Princess Opeyemi Bright – Barking & Dagenham
At just 29, Bright became the borough’s youngest-ever mayor, representing a new generation of Nigerian-British women in leadership. Her visibility and advocacy are expected to inspire greater youth participation in local politics.
Jason Utitofon Jackson – Islington
Jackson’s election marked the first time a Nigerian-born councillor has held the Islington mayoralty. He has pledged to promote community engagement and diversity in civic life.
Why This Matters
✔️Nigerian-born mayors in the UK are more than ceremonial figures. They represent:
Visible representation of African heritage in British institutions.
✔️Community bridges between the UK and Nigeria.
✔️Mentorship for young diaspora leaders aspiring to public office.
✔️Their presence has coincided with greater awareness of diaspora contributions and more inclusive local policy discussions.
Complete List of Known NigerianSnd Black UK Mayors
Year(s) | Name | Borough / City | Notable Facts
1987 | Janet Adegoke | Hammersmith & Fulham
First Black woman London borough mayor
2010 | Tayo Situ | Southwark | Brought Southwark’s diverse communities together
2010 | Anna Mbachu| Waltham Forest | Healthcare advocate
2012 & 2019 | Kate Anolue | Enfield | Double-term mayor, midwife, lawyer
2014 | Adedamola Aminu | Lambeth |Youth sports advocate
2015 | Donatus Anyawu | Lambeth
2016 | Olugbenga Babatola | Greenwich | First African mayor of Greenwich
2018 | Sanchia Alasia | Barking & Dagenham | Anti-knife crime work
2018 | Emmanuel Trailor Becon | Nigerian heritage mayor
2019 & 2020 | Ernest Ezeajughi | Brent | Public health professional
2023-2025 | Michael Situ| Southwark | Council Homes
2025 | Sunny Lambé | Southwark | Trade unionist | community leader
2025 | Princess Bright | Barking & Dagenham | Youngest-ever borough mayor
2025 | Jason Jackson | Islington | First Nigerian-born Islington mayor
The Road Ahead
As more Nigerians and Black British councillors rise through local politics, the list of mayors will likely grow. Their impact—locally and symbolically—will continue to ripple through both British public life and the Nigerian diaspora community.
President Bola Tinubu’s 2025 congratulations to Princess Bright and Jason Jackson summed it up:
“Their stories will inspire young people, both at home and in the diaspora, to pursue excellence and serve their communities with distinction.”
From the 1980s to today, the arc of Nigerian and Black leadership in UK mayoralties tells a story of persistence, cultural pride, and civic duty—one still being written.
