History made as Cllr Helen Ogbu elected Mayor of Galway City

There was standing room only at Galway City Hall as Cllr Helen Ogbu (Lab) made history by becoming the first person of a migrant background - the first African woman - to serve as Mayor of Galway City.

Published 19th Jun 2026, 18:45 BST Updated 19th Jun 2026, 23:00 BST New Mayor of Galway City Cllr Helen Ogbu and Galway City Council members | Iconic There was standing room only at Galway City Hall as Cllr Helen Ogbu (Lab) made history by becoming the first person of a migrant background - the first African woman - to serve as Mayor of Galway City. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

Supporters, friends and family packed City Hall to capacity as Cllr Ogbu took over the prestigious chain of office from Cllr Mike Cubbard (Ind) to become Galway's First Citizen.

Proposing Cllr Ogbu, party colleague Cllr Níall McNeilis (Lab) said that he did so with “huge pride” and spoke of how he has known her for close to 20 years.

“She calls me boss and I call her my political sister,” he said.

He spoke of how she expressed her future aspirations when she was nine years old and of how she is a passionate advocate for the betterment of the local community.

Cllr McNeilis described the resilience she has shown, having fled her home in Nigeria and suffered the tragic loss of her husband to what he described as a political murder.

He spoke of how she has fostered 30 children and dedicated her life to the voluntary sector.

Iconic “Helen is the first African woman elected to Galway City,” he said, “and represents a new tribe who have chosen to make Galway their home.”

Seconding the nomination, Cllr John McDonagh (Lab) spoke of her deep commitment to public service and her passion and energy for the job ahead.

Cllr Ogbu, who represents the Galway City East electoral area, was first elected to the council in the 2024 local elections. Since then, she has championed issues such as housing, public transport, community development and social inclusion.

“Twenty-one years ago, I chose Galway as my home,” she said.

“Today, Galway has chosen me to serve as its First Citizen. It is with profound gratitude, humility and pride that I stand before you today to accept the honour of serving as Mayor of Galway City.”

She said that she is “deeply conscious of the privilege of this office and the responsibility that comes with it”.

New Mayor of Galway City Cllr Helen Ogbu and Deputy Mayor Cllr Josie Forde | Iconic “When I arrived here twenty-one years ago, I came seeking a better future for myself and my family,” she said.

“Like so many others who have made Galway their home, I arrived with hopes, dreams and a determination to contribute. I could never have imagined then that one day I would stand before you as Mayor of this remarkable city.”

She spoke of how the city has welcomed her and allowed her to pursue a political path.

This moment is not simply my story; it is the story of a city that enabled me to fulfil many of my dreams, that welcomed me and many others like me, that gave us a sense of belonging here, that made us feel our voice matters, that our contribution is valued, and that sees strength in diversity. This is the Galway story!

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“As you all know, today is the 19th of June and, as it happens, that date has a special significance for me.,” she said.

“The number 19 has marked some of the most important milestones of my life.

“I was born on the 19th of February, I was married on the 19th of May. And today, on the 19th of June, I have the honour of becoming Mayor of Galway City. Some may call that coincidence. Others may call it destiny.”

She spoke fondly of those who inspired her, especially her late mother, Ezinwannen, and her late husband, Sunny.

“My mother, Ezinwannen, taught me the values that continue to guide my life: kindness, resilience, compassion, faith and service to others,” she said.

“She showed me that true leadership begins with caring for people. And my beloved husband, Sunny. Sunny believed passionately in democracy, justice and public service. He believed that politics should be a force for positive change. Tragically, he lost his life during a political campaign in Nigeria in 2010. Not a day passes without me thinking of him.

“Today, as I stand before you as Mayor of Galway City, I carry his memory with me.

“To Sunny, my sunshine, thank you for your love, your belief in me and your unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.”

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Cllr Ogbu said she would like to explore the reintroduction of a Citizens' Assembly model to shape future policies and decisions.

She also acknowledged that her journey has not followed a traditional political path.

“Before joining politics, I spent decades working alongside families, young people, volunteers and communities,” she explained.

“ As a community development worker, family support worker, foster carer, volunteer manager, researcher and advocate, I have had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary strength that exists within our communities.

“Those experiences taught me a vital life lesson that has shaped my life: leadership is not about position. Leadership is about service.

“It is about listening, about bringing people together, and about ensuring that those whose voices are often unheard are given the opportunity to be heard.

Iconic Originally from Nigeria, Cllr Ogbu has lived in Galway for more than two decades.

She came to Ireland as an asylum seeker and has spoken publicly about rebuilding her life in Galway after leaving Nigeria with her young daughter.

She now works with Galway Volunteer Centre and is a doctoral researcher at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at the University of Galway.

Alongside her professional work, she has been active in community and voluntary organisations and has previously served as chair of the Galway Refugee Support Group.

Before entering local politics, Cllr Ogbu built a strong record of public service through her work.

A graduate in History and Diplomacy, she has been involved in initiatives supporting volunteers, families, migrants and young people across Galway.

Earlier this year, Cllr Ogbu contested the Galway West bye-election for Labour following the election of Catherine Connolly to the Presidency.

She mounted a strong campaign across the constituency and remained in contention deep into the count before ultimately finishing third, further raising her profile in Galway and nationally.

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Cllr Frank Fahy (FG) recalled the first time he encountered Cllr Ogbu at a meeting with taxi drivers at the Clayton hotel.

“I was very impressed, you are a great listener and have great humanity, this is a huge benefit and you will be a fantastic Mayor.”

He spoke of the “horrific abuse” she has received online and called on Oireachtas members present to eliminate online abuse.

Cllr Donal Lyons (Ind) said he had no doubt that she will “do the city proud”.

Meanwhile, Cllr Terry O'Flaherty (Ind) pointed to the significance of the occasion as Mayor Ogbu becomes the eighth female to hold the honour as First Citizen of Galway.

Cllr Níall McNeilis summed up his praise with Helen's election slogan 'Gaillimh Ogbu!'

New Mayor of Galway City Cllr Helen Ogbu and new Deputy Mayor Cllr Josie Forde | Iconic New Deputy Mayor Cllr Josie Forde Meanwhile, Cllr Josie Forde (FF) is the new Deputy Mayor of Galway.

In nominating her, Cllr Peter Keane (FF) said that public service and local pride runs in the Forde family.

He said she “quickly became an effective advocate for her community and embodies the best of grass roots leadership”.

Seconding the nomination, Cllr Mike Cubbard (Ind) described how she “goes about her business quietly and effectively” and that it is a “great day for her family and “a proud day for Corrib Park”.

In an emotional moment, she spoke fondly of her late parents Della and Durkan.

“It would be remiss of me not to mention my parents. I know you stand on my shoulders today supporting me as you always did.”

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