By Milton Tella – History was recorded across the different boroughs of London in the third week of May 2025 as four Nigerian British councillors emerged as Mayors of different local authorities during the Annual Council Meeting.
The three Mayors sworn in for 2025 -26 are Councillor Sunny Lambé, the Mayor of the London Borough of Southwark, Cllr. Princess Opeyemi Bright Mayor of Barking and Dagenham and Cllr Jason Jackson Mayor of London Borough of Islington.
The Mayors represent the borough and every section of the community as First Citizen at civic, ceremonial and social engagements throughout the year.
The Mayor presides at meetings of the council so that its business can be carried out efficiently and properly.
The Mayor also hosts a series of civic events and public conversations over the course of the year. They preside over a number of high profile civic ceremonial events including Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day, VE Day, Holocaust Memorial Day, and Armed Forces Day.
Councillor Sunny Lambé, the Mayor of Southwark has represented South Bermondsey Ward as a Labour and Co-operative councillor since May 2014. He has lived in Southwark since arriving in the UK from Nigeria in 1986.
Over the past 30 years, Sunny has been a community leader and business management consultant, working in business development, mentoring, youth and women empowerment.
Sunny has also founded and worked on numerous community initiatives, including the Black Labour Movement UK, Peckham Supplementary School, Southwark Youth Enterprise Project, and the Black Business Club.
Serving as the first elected union leader for part-time postal workers between 1989 and 1994, Sunny fought successfully for improved working conditions before most of them became law.
Sunny is committed to ensuring that no community or individual is left behind. He has received numerous civic and professional recognition awards for his contribution to community development and empowerment support.
Mayor Sunny Lambe has chosen support three charities: The Bizzie Bodies, a community interest company that provides creative learning opportunities for children and young people who often have minimal access to such resources outside of school.
United Hearts an organisation that believes everyone deserves to live free from fear, violence, and discrimination. Their mission is to raise awareness, provide vital support, and advocate for lasting change to end gender-based violence.
King’s College Hospital Staff Wellbeing Initiative that helps provide a wide range of services that aim to help maintain Occupational Health and Wellbeing.
On Friday 16 May at Barking Town Hall, Cllr Princess Bright was announced as the new Civic Mayor.
Mayor, Cllr Bright will act as an ambassador for Barking and Dagenham, celebrating its diversity, promoting local initiatives, and strengthening community bonds.
In her inaugural address, Cllr Bright shared her vision of civic leadership grounded in inclusivity, pride, and community service: She said, “I believe in the power of community, the importance of tradition, and the need to inspire pride in the place we all call home. As Civic Mayor, I am committed to being a voice that uplifts our borough honouring local heroes, supporting charities, and forging deeper connections with residents, schools, and businesses.”
Born in Homerton Hospital and a resident of Barking and Dagenham since 2009, Cllr Bright was elected as a councillor in 2018 at just 22 years old. She has served as a school governor, a board member of Agile Africa an NGO that equips young people with tech skills and is a passionate mentor to aspiring leaders and professionals. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, teaching, creating content, and hosting career webinars for youth in Nigeria.
Cllr Bright brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and public service. Her long standing work with grassroots organisations reflects a deep understanding of the borough’s needs, as well as a passion for creating positive change.
As part of her mayoral focus, she will support two charities that are close to her heart:
Ab Phab Youth Club is a local initiative that provides inclusive youth activities and support for disabled and non-disabled young people, encouraging participation, personal growth, and decision-making.
Crohn’s & Colitis UK, a national charity offering critical support and advocacy for people living with inflammatory bowel diseases. Cllr Bright, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2011, said: “Through this partnership, I aim to raise awareness, advocate for better support, and bring hope to those affected.”
Cllr Bright also pledged to honour the traditions of the mayoral office while bringing a fresh, engaging energy to the role: “It is not just a responsibility but a privilege to serve as a figurehead for the hopes and values of our community.”
During her mayoral year, Cllr Bright is committed to fostering a sense of unity and belonging across the borough. Her focus will be on inclusivity, dignity, and connection making sure all residents, regardless of background, feel valued and seen.
Cllr Jason Jackson has become the new Mayor of Islington, after being sworn in for 2025-26 on Thursday, 15 May at the Annual Council meeting.
Cllr Jason Jackson has chosen to champion Islington Giving and the vital work they carry out in the borough as they celebrate their 15th anniversary.
A coalition of local people and organisations, Islington Giving raises funds to support incredible community projects – including around mental health and employment opportunities for young people.
Upon being elected as the new Mayor, Cllr Jackson said: “It’s an honour to serve as Mayor of the borough that helped shape me, a place that is home to incredible people, bold ideas, and strong communities.
“This year, I’ll focus on celebrating our diversity, backing local businesses, and helping every neighbourhood thrive because when we work together, we all thrive.
“Islington Giving does incredible work in the community, for the community, and represents the very best of the borough – I look forward to championing and supporting the work they do around mental health and creating employment opportunities for young people.”
Cllr Jackson was first elected in a 2021 by-election and re-elected in the 2022 local elections, and has served as Chair of the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee.
Born in Nigeria and raised in Hackney, Cllr Jackson studied at City and Islington College and London Metropolitan University, both based in the borough, before completing a Master’s degree in Big Data in Culture and Society at King’s College London. There, he developed a strong interest in artificial intelligence and its potential to benefit all communities.
Alongside his work as a councillor, Cllr Jackson is a founding member of the Black Policy Institute, a think tank that aims to influence national policy and promote greater equity across society.
Cllr Jackson takes over from Cllr Anjna Khurana, who served as Mayor during the past year, supporting Brickworks Community Centre and promoting a message of welcome and community spirit across the borough.
The Mayor’s Consort is Tatiana Jackson. Cllr Rosaline Ogunro was appointed as Deputy Mayor and her Consort is her son, Zulu Ogunro.
Hon. Abike Dabiri – Erewa congratulates Nigerians breaking glass ceilings in UK politics.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has congratulated Dr. Adekunle Osibogun, Princess Opeyemi Bright, Cllr. Jason Utitofon Jackson and Cllr. Sunny Lambe on their recent election victory.
In a congratulatory message issued by Mr Gabriel Odu, of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Dabiri-Erewa applauded the duo of Cllr. Opeyemi Bright and Cllr. Jason Utitofon Jackson for breaking the record of both first youngest Mayor and the first Black Mayor.
She also congratulated Cllr. Sunny Lambe from Councillor to Mayor and Adekunle Osibogun for his re-election as a Councillor.
The NIDCOM Boss described the victory as a record breaking milestone that portrays their dedication, resilience, determination and unwavering strive for success.
Dabiri-Erewa commended their relentless efforts, urging them to keep up the resilient spirit as they carry out their duties respectively.
She prayed to God for protection, strength and direction in their new positions while also encouraging them to continue putting in their best in the discharge of their duties.
While Dr. Adekunle Osibogun was re-elected as a Councillor to both the Buckinghamshire Council and Buckingham Town Council, Princess Opeyemi Bright makes history as the youngest Mayor of the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham.
Cllr. Jason Jackson, the new Mayor of Islington by this feat is the first black person to be elected to this position and Cllr. Sunny Lambe who has served the Borough with distinction for years now assumes office as the new Mayor of Southwark.
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