Princess Opeyemi Bright has made history as the youngest mayor in the United Kingdom, officially inaugurated as First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham at just 29 years old.
Her swearing-in ceremony on Friday, May 16, was a powerful symbol of youth leadership, diversity, and Nigerian excellence in global public service.
“This is nothing short of God’s grace,” she declared. “As a proud Nigerian, I will serve with humility and represent my heritage with excellence.”
Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Bright entered public office at 22 as a councillor, dedicating the past seven years to youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and community development.
She continues a family legacy of leadership: her mother, Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, served as Civic Mayor of Hackney (2006–2007), while her father, Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, is a senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Bright joins the ranks of other globally prominent Nigerians in politics such as Kemi Badenoch, Chi Onwurah, Uzoma Asagwara, and Esther Agbaje — reaffirming Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage.