Nigeria’s Muyiwa Oki has been elected president of the Royal Institute of British
Architects (RIBA), a global professional membership body that facilitates better
buildings, stronger communities, and a sustainable environment. This makes
Muyiwa the first African to occupy such a position, and also the youngest
president RIBA ever had.
Muyiwa Oki will become RIBA President-Elect from 1 st of September 2022 and
succeed current president Simon Allford in September 2023.
Muyiwa Oki, who is currently employed at global construction company – Mace
Group, shared how this victory will enable a more inclusive future within the
architecture profession. He ensures that those who feel disenfranchised and under-
represented will be heard.
“I am grateful to the grassroots movement whose support and passion offered a
platform to represent architectural workers. 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.”
The current RIBA President, Simon Allford congratulated Muyiwa Oki, who
according to him, “led a commendable campaign with an electoral manifesto
focused on the future of the profession.”
An ambassador for the Mayor of London: Design Future London challenge,
Muyiwa Oki was previously an Architect at London Studio Grimshaw Architects,
where he founded the Multi-Ethnic Group and Allies network, and drove cultural
change for colleagues globally.
Throughout his career, Muyiwa has worked on large-scale infrastructure projects,
such as HS2 Euston and the North London heat and power project.
Muyiwa speaks to, and mentors aspiring architects in various programmes
designed to encourage greater social mobility within the industry.
Congratulations Muyiwa Oki on your achievement.
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