History was made in the Royal Borough of Greenwich,
South-East London after a Nigerian man became the first elected African
mayor of the community.
59-year-old Nigerian born Mayor Olugbenga
Babatola, who has lived in the UK for decades, had previously served as a
councillor in the Greenwich district – a position to which he was
elected in 2014 for his inspirational leadership style.In 2015, he became the first African to be elected as deputy Mayor and served alongside current Mayor, Norman Adam.
Babatola will be inaugurated into office as the first African Mayor of Greenwich on May 25, 2016.
“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,” Council leader
Denise Hyland said.
“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,” she added.
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