Princess Opeyemi Bright has become the youngest mayor in the United Kingdom after being inaugurated as the First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
The 29-year-old British-born politician, who is of Nigerian descent, assumed office on Friday, 16 May, marking a milestone for both the Nigerian diaspora and youth representation in British politics.
Speaking at the ceremony, she said: “This is nothing short of God’s grace. 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.”
Bright began her political career aged 22 when she was elected as a councillor. Over the last seven years, she has focused on youth empowerment, social inclusion and economic opportunity in her local community.
She follows in the footsteps of her mother, Dr Councillor Afolasade Bright, who served as Civic Mayor of Hackney from 2006 to 2007. Her father, Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, is a senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Her inauguration was seen as a significant moment for representation in public life and comes amid a rise in political figures of Nigerian heritage holding prominent roles across the globe.
Other high-profile politicians of Nigerian descent include UK Secretary of State Kemi Badenoch, Labour MP Chi Onwurah, Canadian Minister Uzoma Asagwara and U.S. Congresswoman Esther Agbaje.
