Nigerian-born Rosaline Ogunro makes history as Islington’s first female mayor from the diaspora

Councillor Rosaline Ogunro, a Nigerian-born community advocate, broadcaster and Labour politician, is serving as Mayor of the London Borough of Islington for the 2026/27 civic year, becoming the first Nigerian-born woman to hold the largely ceremonial but highly visible role.

Ogunro, who represents the St Peter’s and Canalside ward, was formally sworn in at the annual council meeting on 27 May 2026. She succeeds fellow Nigerian-born councillor Jason Jackson, who made history the previous year as the borough’s first mayor of Nigerian origin since its creation in 1900. The consecutive tenures mark a notable moment for the Nigerian diaspora in British local government.

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Born in Issele-Uku, Delta State, as the first of seven children, Ogunro moved to the United Kingdom in 2001. She studied for a Diploma in English Law and an LLB Honours degree at the Open University in London, later completing a part-time legal practice course at the College of Law while working full-time. Before entering elected politics she built a varied career in broadcasting, community advice and the voluntary sector. In Nigeria she worked as a radio announcer with Radio Nigeria; one widely recounted episode from February 1976, in the turbulent aftermath of the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, saw her remain on air for hours after armed men overran the studio, continuing broadcasts amid the crisis.

In Britain she served as a part-time adviser at Islington Citizens Advice Bureau, worked in the marketing department of the London Symphony Orchestra as customer service and office coordinator, and sang with the orchestra’s community choir for nearly two decades (2003–2022). She has released two music albums and lists designing and making clothes, gardening and singing among her hobbies. In May 2022 she was appointed a trustee of St Luke’s Community Centre, the same month she was first elected to Islington Council.

As a councillor she has served on the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee, the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, and planning and licensing committees. She previously held the post of deputy mayor. A mother of two, her mayoral consort is her son, Zulu Ogunro. The current deputy mayor is Councillor Jilani Chowdhury.

Ogunro has chosen St Luke’s Community Centre and Islington Boat Club as her mayoral charities. St Luke’s offers activities, lunches and intergenerational programmes that she has described as a personal source of support after she first learned computing there following her arrival in the UK. She has spoken of the value of sports clubs for young people and families.

Reflecting on the role, she said: “There is nothing I enjoy more than helping and serving members of our community and I cannot wait to continue doing that as Mayor of Islington. Becoming Mayor is the honour of a lifetime, and I’m looking forward to bringing my compassion and hard-working nature to the role.” In another comment she noted that the position would allow her to engage across the borough beyond her own ward, meeting people of different ages, backgrounds and walks of life.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) congratulated her on the appointment. Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa described it as a proud moment for Nigeria and a reflection of dedication, excellence and community service, urging diaspora Nigerians to continue distinguishing themselves positively.

Ogunro’s elevation continues a pattern of growing Nigerian and wider African diaspora presence in British civic leadership. As mayor she represents the borough at hundreds of events each year, chairs full council meetings and champions community causes, underscoring the quiet but steady expansion of Nigerian voices in UK public life.