Nigerian Muyiwa Oki elected as president of the Royal Institute of British Architects

NIGERIAN Muyiwa Oki has been elected as the new president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) in a sweeping victory that saw him voted in as the candidate representing architectural workers and the profession's grassroots.

Currently working as an architect at construction consultancy Mace Group, Mr Oki saw off Sumita Singha, who also stood for the post two years ago and Allies and Morrison’s Jo Bacon in the race to succeed Simon Allford. He was elected on the second round of voting after Ms Singha had been eliminated and her votes redistributed by second preferences.

At the end of voting, Mr Oki who will start his two-year term on September 1, picked up 49.3% of the vote compared with 45.4% for Mr Bacon. He previously worked at Grimshaw Architects, where he founded and chaired the practice’s multi-ethnic group and allies network.

Aged just 31, he is the youngest ever Riba president since the role was established in 1835. Speaking after hearing the result, Mr Oki said he was grateful to the grassroots movement whose support and passion offered a platform to represent architectural workers.

Mr Oki said: "Most of all a special thanks to those members and nominators that responded to this movement, tuned in and voted, especially those that did so for the first time. We can be proud of an election where people of colour, at different stages of their careers, of all identities, can be heard and seen bidding to represent the profession.

"I hope this is the start of many great things to come for those who feel disenfranchised and under-represented. I am proud of my campaign, the discourse has been positive, energetic, and inspirational.

"It has been a privilege to run alongside Jo and Sumita and, as Riba Council and board members. I am looking forward to working with you both to deliver equity, transparency and innovation in architecture."

In May, Mr Oki was put forward as a potential candidate after being chosen by an informal collective of early-career architects, students and architectural activists keen to shake up the institute and move it beyond empty slogans and self-serving initiatives. Turnout for the election was 12.4% compared with 13.2% two years ago, with a total of 6,020 votes cast.

Outgoing president Mr Allford, praised Mr Oki for leading a commendable campaign with an electoral manifesto focused on the future of the profession. He said: "This is an exciting time for Riba as we shape a leaner, more agile organisation to support our global membership and engage all those with an interest in architecture."

In the first round of voting, Mr Oki led with 40.7% of votes, followed by Mr Bacon with 38.4%, while Ms Singha received 20.7% of votes cast. She was then eliminated and her second preferences redistributed.