29-year-old British-Nigerian woman becomes UK’s youngest mayor

A 29-year-old British-Nigerian woman, Princess Opeyemi Bright, has been elected as the youngest mayor in the United Kingdom.

Opeyemi was elected after assuming office as the First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, on May 16.

Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Bright began her political career at 22 as a councillor, focusing on youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic opportunities in her community.

She follows her mother, Dr. Afolasade Bright, who was Civic Mayor of Hackney from 2006 to 2007, and her father, Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, a senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).