Islington mayor names two local charities for civic year

By hiyastar.co.uk news desk

Councillor Rosaline Ogunro has been sworn in as Mayor of Islington for 2026/27, with two local charities named as the focus of her fundraising and civic work during the year ahead.

The St Peter’s and Canalside councillor formally took office at the Annual Council meeting on Wednesday, 27 May. She succeeds Cllr Jason Jackson, who served as Mayor over the previous year.

Rosaline Ogunro takes the mayoral chain

Cllr Ogunro has represented St Peter’s and Canalside since May 2022. During her time as a councillor, she has served on several council committees, including Homes and Communities Scrutiny, Children and Young People Scrutiny, Planning, and Licensing.

The mayoral role in Islington is civic rather than executive, with duties including chairing full council meetings, representing the borough at public events and supporting selected charitable causes.

At the same Annual Council meeting, the authority also formally confirmed the new Executive led by Council Leader Cllr Una O’Halloran, following this month’s local elections.

St Luke’s and Islington Boat Club chosen

Cllr Ogunro has selected St Luke’s Community Centre and Islington Boat Club as her mayoral charities.

St Luke’s Community Centre provides activities for residents, including lunches, classes and community programmes that bring different age groups together. Islington Boat Club offers watersports and training, with a focus on young people, people with additional needs and older residents who need extra support.

Speaking after the ceremony, Cllr Ogunro said there was “nothing I enjoy more than helping and serving members of our community” and said becoming Mayor was “the honour of a lifetime”.

Family and civic appointments

Cllr Ogunro is a mother of two and has a background in music. She has released two albums and was a member of the London Symphony Orchestra Community Choir from 2003 to 2022. Her other interests include designing and making clothes.

Her son, Zulu Ogunro, will serve as the Mayor’s consort for the year. Cllr Chowdhury was appointed Deputy Mayor, with his wife, Nilu Chowdhury, serving as his consort.

Source: Islington Council