The rising prominence of Nigerians in public life in Britain was brought into sharp focus in London with the installation of Councillor Rosaline Ogunro as the new Mayor of Islington.
Her selection comes a year after Nigerian-born Jason Jackson made history as the borough’s first mayor of Nigerian descent, underlining what many perceive as the growing civic and political power of the Nigerian diaspora across the UK, writes AFP.
With a career in community advocacy and media, Ogunro assumes office at a time of mounting strain on local councils across Britain.
She was elected first as a Councillor for St. Peter’s and Canalside Ward of Islington Council in May 2022 and is on the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee and the Licensing Committee and is Deputy Mayor.
Before becoming a councillor, Rosaline was stated to have worked for a range of voluntary organisations, including Islington Citizens Advice Bureau, where she now works part-time as an adviser.
She also sung with the Orchestra’s Community Choir for over 20 years and worked in the London Symphony Orchestra’s Marketing Department as a Customer Service and Office Coordinator.
Rosaline also comes from a broadcasting background. She was appointed to the board of trustees of St Luke’s Centre in May 2022. It said on its website: “Her hobbies are singing, designing and making clothes, and gardening.
on January 2026, Nigerians were well represented on King Charles’ Honours List, a testament to the global recognition of the nation’s talent, service and impact in diverse industries.
Honours in the name of King Charles III recognise remarkable contributions to public service, business, academics, healthcare, culture and to community development in the UK and beyond.
Recipients of Nigerian heritage were recognized for their impact in sectors including medicine, education, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and civic leadership.
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