Olugbenga Babatola, Nigerian elected first ever African Mayor of Greenwich, London

Nigeria-born British Councillor, Olugbenga Babatola, has been elected the new Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, South-East London.

The 59-year-old Babatola, a Thamesmead Councillor became Greenwich’s first ever deputy mayor of African descent. He was sworn in as deputy to former Mayor Councillor Norman Adams on May 19, 2015.

Babatola, 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.

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.

The mayor was elected by council members at an annual meeting and the position is held for a year. He 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”He said.

Credit: Africanspotlight