29-year-old Princess Opeyemi Bright was inaugurated on Friday, 16th May, 2025, as the Mayor of Barking & Dagenham, United Kingdom (UK), becoming the youngest to hold the office of Mayor in the UK.
The First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham was born to her parents, Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright (father) and Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE (mother). Her father served as Civic Mayor of Hackney from 2006 to 2007, while her mother is a senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Princess Bright was elected as a councillor at 22 and has spent the last seven years championing youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic opportunities within her borough.
Speaking at her inauguration, the Mayor said: “This is nothing short of God’s grace.”
“I’m proud to serve my borough, and as a proud Nigerian, I will represent my heritage with humility and excellence. May this journey inspire others to lead, serve, and rise,” she went on.
