Meet Olugbenga Babatola, First African Mayor Of Greenwich (See Photo)

History was recently made in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, South-East London after a Nigerian was elected as the first African mayor.

The new mayor, 59-year-old Olugbenga Babatola was born in Nigeria but is now a British citizen. He had previously served as a councillor in the district, a position to which he was elected in 2014 because of his inspirational leadership style.

In 2015, he became the first African to be elected as deputy Mayor and served alongside current Mayor, Norman Adam. Babatola will be inaugurated into office as the first African Mayor of Greenwich on May 25, 2016.

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“Looking around Royal Greenwich there’s much to be proud of. The physical regeneration of our community continues apace, while there are many developments in our economic, social and community life,” Council leader Denise Hyland said.

“I was determined that we should open the inauguration ceremony to more local people to reflect on the role our community plays in achieving the successes we have enjoyed over the past year. It is also a way to welcome Cllr Babatola to his new role as Mayor, and to thank Cllr Adams for his hard work and service during his tenure,”she added.

The mayor is elected by council members at an annual meeting and the position is held for a year. He or she is the first citizen of the Royal Borough and acts as an ambassador at public affairs and at civic and ceremonial events.