Nigerian Man Makes History, Becomes First Elected African Mayor In London

Olugbenga Babatola made history in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, South-East London by becoming the first elected African mayor of the community.

The new Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, South-East London is Nigeria-born British councillor, Olugbenga Babatola. 59-year-old Babatola, a Thamesmead councillor became Greenwich's first ever deputy mayor of Afrcan descent. He was sworn in as deputy to former Mayor Councillor Norman Adams on May 19, 2015

The new Mayor was elected by council members at an annual meeting and will hold the position for a year. The married father of three and grandfather of one will be sworn-in in an inauguration ceremony on Wednesday May 25, 2016 at 7pm.

In 2015, when youths in the Royal Borough of Greenwich renovated one of the facilities in the county back in 2015, Babatola was full of praise for them, expressing his believe in giving to the society.

"The young people have worked really hard and to get to this stage is brilliant," he said. "Our children are getting to the point now where they don't ask what their community will do for them but what are they going to do to support their community. I think it's very inspirational and is leading by example so that the younger ones will follow them by seeing their contributions to their community."

Local residents of the Borough are being invited to celebrate the inauguration of the new Mayor. 15 pairs of tickets are being made available to attend the event which will take place in the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, Green.

Names will be entered into a draw and winners will be invited to bring a companion and join other guests from the wide spectrum of Greenwich life alongeside Cllr Adams and the council leader Denise Hyland.

The mayor is elected by council members at an annual meeting and the position is held for a year. He or she is the first citizen of the Royal Borough and acts as an ambassador at public affairs and at civic and ceremonial events.

Denise Hyland said; "Looking around Royal Greenwich there's much to be proud of. The physical regeneration of our community continues apace, while there are many developments in our economic, social and community life. I was determined that we should open the inauguration ceremony to more local people to reflect on the role our community plays in achieving the successes we have enjoyed over the past year. It is also a way to welcome Cllr Babatola to his new role as Mayor, and to thank Cllr Adams for his hard work and service during his tenure"