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History made as Dr Chukwudi Okeke becomes the new Chairman at council
26/05/2024
He is the first person from a black ethnic minority to hold the position
Councillor Dr Chukwudi Okeke has been elected as the Chairman of Cherwell District Council. He’s the first black person to have held the position.
Dr Okeke made history in 2022 by being the first black person to be voted on to the district council following his victory in Banbury Cross & Neithrop.
The chairman of the council is the politically impartial civic leader of the authority and acts as an ambassador for the council and Cherwell district.
Speaking after his election, Dr Okeke thanked his fellow Councillors for bestowing the great honour on him. He pledged to embrace the role with passion and to be fair and supportive to all members.
Dr Okeke said: “Today is a remarkable day for the Cherwell District. I made history two years ago by becoming the first Councillor from a black ethnic minority elected to this Council. History has been repeated today as I become the first member of the same background to hold the position of Chairman of Cherwell District Council.”
Hailing from Eastern Nigeria, Dr Okeke’s father was a teacher and his mother in local politics. Having studied at Oxford Brookes University he moved to Banbury where his passions include watching Banbury United.
He entered the world of politics with a desire to promote a healthy society where everyone can thrive, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, and social background.
He said: “Cherwell is a fantastic area to live, work, and do business, and I am eager to continue promoting it as such.”
Dr Okeke named his wife Dr Sandra Okeke as his consort. During his time as Chairman he will raise money for Oxfordshire Mind – a mental health charity.
Councillor Dr Okeke was proposed by Sean Woodcock and seconded by Matt Hodgson.
Councillor Dorothy Walker was elected as Vice-Chair.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam