29-year-old female British-Nigerian, Councillor Princess Opeyemi Bright will be officially inaugurated on May 16 as the next Civic Mayor and first citizen of the London of Barking and Dagenham in the United Kingdom for the municipal year 2025-2026.
Opeyemi’s mayoral position was confirmed on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the council’s Annual General Meeting, making history as the youngest to assume that leadership position in the Borough.
Before her new appointment, Opeyemi, a Chartered Accountant, has been noted for her committed role as a dedicated public servant and leader in the local government. She is a member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA), having qualified and been admitted in 2021.
The British-born Nigerian began her career in investment banking after graduating from the university before transitioning into the technology sector, where she worked as a senior strategy and operations manager for a major tech company in the UK. Her journey in public service began in 2018 when she was elected as the youngest labour councillor in Barking and Dagenham at age 22. One year into her tenure in office, at just 23, she became the Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee, where she has played a crucial role in promoting financial transparency and strong governance across the council since 2019.
Beyond her political career, Councillor Bright is deeply committed to mentorship and community service, a platform on which she serves as a school governor, supporting young people’s education and development. Her contributions have been widely recognised, earning her accolades such as the Universal Peace Federation’s Young Achiever Award and the Young Politician of the Year award at the Nigerian High Commission.
With a passion for leadership, public service, and community development, Councillor Bright continues to champion positive change, inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Opeyemi’s leadership fortunes are in line with the footsteps of her parents, Pastor Gbolahan and Councillor Afolasade Bright, who have also assumed prominent positions to play key roles in the government of the United Kingdom. Both parents have been instrumental in fostering community development and supporting various charitable initiatives, reflecting their commitment to service and empowerment.
Her father, Pastor Bright, is a respected educator and spiritual leader with a career spanning over four decades. He serves as the pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The Master’s Sanctuary in Dagenham, UK. A seasoned lecturer, Pastor Bright has dedicated over 40 years to education, both in the UK and abroad, and is the proprietor of Bright Academy, through which he has positively impacted the lives of many youths by providing a solid educational foundation.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, Pastor Bright was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen in the 2015 New Year Honours.
Opeyemi’s mother, Afolasade Bright currently serves as the Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills, and Aspiration in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, collaborating with businesses, educational institutions, and community groups to enhance employment opportunities and skill development in the borough. She was the mayor of the London Borough of Hackney between 2006 and 2007 and the inaugural Cabinet Member for Equalities and Cohesion.
Prominent politicians and personalities from Nigeria and the diaspora are expected at her inaugural event in London to grace the occasion.
