Meet Rosaline Ogunro, Nigerian-born woman who became mayor of Islington

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.