Princess Opeyemi Bright has been inaugurated as the youngest mayor in the United Kingdom after assuming office as the First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
At just 29, Bright’s appointment marks a historic milestone for youth and Nigerian representation in British politics.
In her acceptance speech on Friday, May 16, she described the moment as “nothing short of God’s grace,” pledging to serve with humility and represent her Nigerian heritage with pride.
Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Bright began her political journey at age 22 and has spent the past seven years advocating for youth empowerment and social inclusion. Her mother, Dr. Afolasade Bright, was also a former Civic Mayor of Hackney, while her father, Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, is a senior minister in the RCCG.
Bright’s achievement adds to the growing influence of Nigerians in global politics, joining figures like Kemi Badenoch, Chi Onwurah, Uzoma Asagwara, and Esther Agbaje.
