Meet Nigeria’s Adegoke who makes history as first Black chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council

Nigerian-born Councillor Christopher Adegoke has made history after becoming the first Black and minority individual to be elected Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council since its establishment in 1889.

Adegoke was elected to the position on Thursday, May 14, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Nigerian diaspora and representation in public service in the United Kingdom.

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, congratulated Adegoke on his achievement, describing it as a proud moment for Nigeria.

According to Dabiri-Erewa, Adegoke’s emergence reflects the resilience, excellence, integrity and leadership qualities Nigerians continue to demonstrate around the world.

She also commended his commitment to public service, community development, grassroots governance and community engagement, alongside his more than two decades of experience in international education, public administration and community leadership.

He was born in Kaduna

Despite his prominent position in British public life, Adegoke’s formative years were spent in Nigeria.

He was born in Kaduna and attended St Michael’s Primary School before moving to Lagos when his father was transferred for work.

He later attended St John’s Aroloya in Lagos before moving with his father to Ilorin, Kwara State, where he attended St Barnabas Primary School, Sabo Oke.

After his primary education, Adegoke attended ECWA Secondary School, Igbaja, and later Government Secondary School, Ilorin.

He proceeded to Kwara State Polytechnic, where he became the institution’s first Marshal of the Jazz Club.

Adegoke subsequently attended the University of Ilorin, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in History and later a master’s degree in Public Administration.

He said growing up in different parts of Nigeria exposed him to different cultures and communities and helped shape his interest in public service.

“Those experiences broadened my understanding of people and strengthened my passion for public service and community development,” he said in an interview with PUNCH.

His father was a traditional ruler

Adegoke’s interest in leadership was also influenced by his family background.

He is an indigene of Koro in Kwara State and the son of the late Olu Koro of Koro, Oba Elijah Adegoke Oyun.

He said that his father placed considerable importance on education and ensured that his children received good schooling.

“I remain deeply grateful to him for his sacrifices, guidance and unwavering commitment to our future,” Adegoke said.

He added that the values instilled by his father, including discipline, responsibility and respect for service, continued to influence his approach to leadership.

Adegoke also said his family had a strong tradition of leadership and community service, with relatives having served as traditional, religious, educational and local government leaders.

From Nigerian roots to British public service

Adegoke said his background helped make his transition into community leadership in the UK feel natural.

“I come from a family with a strong tradition of leadership and community service,” he said.

He noted that an uncle and cousin had served as local councillors in the Koro-Ekiti area, supporting their communities and contributing to local development.

“Given that background, it felt natural for me to follow a similar path,” he said.

Adegoke currently serves as a county councillor and will now take on the additional role of chairman.

Following his election, Adegoke pledged to work with residents, organisations, charities and businesses across Nottinghamshire.

Speaking about his priorities, he said he intended to ensure that no one was left behind.

“I intend to continue serving the people and ensuring that no one is left behind. We stand for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

He added that he would seek to represent Nottinghamshire at local, national and international levels while promoting inclusion, community engagement and opportunities for residents.

A Nigerian diaspora milestone

Dabiri-Erewa said Adegoke’s achievement highlighted the contributions Nigerians in the diaspora are making across different sectors globally.

She also applauded Nottinghamshire County Council for what she described as its inclusive and progressive approach to electing Adegoke to the distinguished office.