Yemi Mobolade, a Nigerian, was chosen to lead Colorado Springs, a community in the American state of Colorado.
According to the Colorado Sun, Mobolade’s election victory makes him the first Black man ever chosen to head the city during a time of political instability.
With no prior political experience, the new mayor—a Nigerian immigrant and businessman—won the position.
After defeating Wayne Williams on Tuesday night in the city’s runoff election, Mobolade is now the mayor of the city.
Colorado Springs, long seen as a conservative bastion, has experienced a political earthquake as a result of Mobolade’s triumph. The report further stated that Mobolade is independent whereas Wayne Williams is a Republican.
By 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Mobolade had garnered 57% of the vote versus Williams’ 43%. At around 7:30 p.m., Williams gave in. The percentages remained unchanged when the second round of results was announced just before 9 p.m.
As the city’s 42nd mayor, Mobolade will follow outgoing Mayor John Suthers, a former federal prosecutor and attorney general of Colorado whose term was restricted.
“Wow,” an incredulous Mobolade said to kick off his victory speech. “Wow. Wow. I am speechless.”
“This is our win,” Mobolade added.
“We are Colorado Springs. It’s a new day in our beloved city. Do you believe that? Colorado Springs will be become an inclusive, culturally rich, economically prosperous, safe and vibrant city,” the Colorado Sun quoted him as saying.
Mobolade, a married father of three, moved to Colorado Springs in 2010 and quickly became a leader in the business community.
He cofounded two popular restaurants — The Wild Goose Meeting House and Good Neighbours Meeting House — in Colorado’s second-largest city and served as its small business development administrator.
He was also the vice president of business retention and expansion for the Colorado Springs Chamber and Economic Development Corporation.
