Political upstart Yemi Mobolade becomes the first ever black mayor of Colorado Springs

NIGERIAN Yemi Mobolade has been elected as the new mayor of Colorado Springs in the US state of Colorado becoming the first black man ever voted into office to lead the city despite being a political upstart.

Local reports say Colorado Springs has experienced a political earthquake as a result of Mr Mobolade’s victory as he was an independent whereas the opponent he defeated Wayne Williams, is a Republican. Mr Mobolade won yesterday's runoff contest against Mr Williams yesterday  night despite having zero experience in politics.

Mr Mobolade had received 57% of the vote to Williams’ 43% as of 7.15 pm last night, forcing his opponent to conceded at about 7.30 pm local time. When the second batch of results was released shortly before 9pm, the percentages had not shifted.

With his victory, Mr Mobolade will succeed Mayor John Suthers, a former federal prosecutor and Colorado attorney-general who was term-limited, to become the city’s 42nd mayor. Mr Mobolade relocated to Colorado Springs in 2010 and rose to the position of leadership in the local community.

He said: “Wow, wow. I am speechless, this is our win. We are Colorado Springs. It’s a new day in our beloved city. Do you believe that? Colorado Springs will become an inclusive, culturally rich, economically prosperous, safe, and vibrant city.”

Mr Mobolade is married with three kids and has served as the city’s small business development administrator while co-founding two well-known eateries, The Wild Goose Meeting House and Good Neighbors Meeting House. Furthermore, he served as the Colorado Springs Chamber and Economic Development Corporation’s vice president of company expansion and retention.