Rosaline Ogunro, a Nigerian-born councillor, has become the mayor of Islington in London, adding another prominent name to the growing number of Nigerians making their mark in British public life
Ogunro, who represents St Peter’s and Canalside Ward, was officially sworn in as Mayor of Islington for 2026/27 on Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Her emergence came a year after Nigerian-born Jason Jackson became the first Nigerian-born mayor of Islington, a milestone that brought attention to the increasing presence of people of Nigerian descent in British civic leadership
From Nigeria to Britain
Ogunro was born in Issele-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria, as the first of seven children She moved to the United Kingdom in 2001.
She later studied English law and obtained an LLB Honours degree from The Open University in London She also attended the College of Law in London for a part-time legal practice course while working full-time at the London Symphony Orchestra.
Before entering elected office, Ogunro developed experience across broadcasting, community work and the voluntary sector
She worked with organisations including Islington Citizens Advice Bureau, where she has served as a part-time adviser, and also worked in the marketing department of the London Symphony Orchestra as a customer service and office coordinator
She was also a member of the orchestra’s community choir for more than 20 years
Her journey into politics
Ogunro was first elected as a councillor for St Peter’s and Canalside Ward in May 2022
During her time on Islington Council, she has served on several committees, including the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee, the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, and the Planning and Licensing Committees
She also served as deputy mayor before taking over the mayoral office
Islington Council’s official profile describes her as someone with a long-standing interest in helping and serving members of the community
‘It means the world to me’
Speaking about becoming mayor, Ogunro said the position would give her an opportunity to engage with communities across Islington beyond her own ward
“It means the world to me,” she said, explaining that the role would allow her to meet people from different backgrounds and communities across East Islington
She said she looked forward to meeting people of different ages and backgrounds and getting to know Islington better
Ogunro also reflected on her history of volunteering and advocacy for women
She has been involved with Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, an organisation that uses professional networks to support and uplift women
She also recalled her experience in broadcasting and the changes she witnessed in the industry, particularly regarding women’s participation
Another Nigerian in Islington’s mayoral office
Ogunro’s inauguration follows Jason Jackson’s historic tenure as Mayor of Islington in 2025/26
Jackson became the first Nigerian-born mayor of Islington since the borough was established in 1900 He was elected a councillor in 2022 and subsequently became Chair of the council’s Homes and Communities Committee.
The succession means two Nigerian-born councillors have held the mayoral office in consecutive years
NiDCOM congratulates Ogunro
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission also congratulated Ogunro on her emergence as Mayor of Islington
NiDCOM Chairman and CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa described her achievement as a proud moment for Nigeria and attributed her emergence to dedication, excellence and community service
Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted Ogunro’s work in community development and advocacy, describing her as a worthy ambassador of Nigeria in the UK
Ogunro’s appointment adds to a growing list of Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent occupying prominent positions in British public life, including elected and civic leadership roles