Councillor Rosaline Ogunro has been inaugurated as the new Mayor of Islington, further highlighting the growing political and civic influence of Nigerians in the United Kingdom.
Gatekeepers News reports that her appointment comes barely a year after Nigerian-born Jason Jackson made history as Islington’s first Nigerian-born mayor, marking another milestone for the Nigerian diaspora in British politics.
Ogunro, who has a strong background in community advocacy and broadcasting, assumes office at a time when local councils across the UK continue to face increasing economic and social pressures.
She was first elected as Councillor for St. Peter’s and Canalside Ward in May 2022 and currently serves on the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee as well as the Licensing Committee. Prior to her inauguration, she served as Deputy Mayor of Islington.
According to Islington Labour, Ogunro previously worked with several voluntary organisations, including the Islington Citizens Advice Bureau, where she currently works part-time as an adviser.
“She also worked in the Marketing Department of the London Symphony Orchestra as Customer Service and Office Coordinator, and sang in the Orchestra’s Community Choir for more than 20 years,” the organisation stated on its website.
Beyond public service, Ogunro has experience in broadcasting and was appointed to the board of trustees of St Luke’s Centre in May 2022.
Her hobbies include singing, gardening, and designing and making clothes.
Her emergence as mayor comes amid increasing recognition of Nigerians making significant contributions across various sectors in the UK.
In January 2026, Nigerians featured prominently on King Charles III’s Honours List, receiving recognition for outstanding achievements in public service, business, academia, healthcare, entrepreneurship, culture, philanthropy, and community development.
The honours reflected the growing impact of Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent in shaping communities and institutions within the United Kingdom and beyond.
