Yemi Mobolade emerged triumphant in the fiercely contested 2023 mayoral election of Colorado Springs, securing his place as the city’s 42nd mayor. The historic win not only propels Mobolade into the limelight but also marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first black mayor in the history of Colorado Springs. His journey from Nigeria to the heart of Colorado is a testament to the American dream and the diversity that shapes our nation.
Defying the odds, Mobolade, running as an independent candidate, clinched victory with an impressive 57% of the vote, defeating the Republican contender, Wayne Williams, who secured only 43% of the electorate’s support. This outcome holds profound implications, especially considering the Republican party’s previous dominance in Colorado Springs. Mobolade’s triumph in a nonpartisan race further emphasizes the shifting political landscape in El Paso County, which has witnessed a surge in unaffiliated voters.
What sets Mobolade apart is not only his political achievement but also his long-standing contributions to the Colorado Springs community. Well before his mayoral campaign, Mobolade and his wife, Abbey, planted roots in the area in 2010 with the noble intention of establishing a church. He devoted his efforts to the First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs and co-founded COSILoveYou, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community.
Mobolade’s impact extended beyond the spiritual realm as he actively worked to promote local businesses and foster economic growth. As the Vice President of Business Retention and Expansion for the Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, he played a pivotal role in creating job opportunities and advancing the prosperity of the region. Furthermore, Mobolade’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate successful businesses like the Wild Goose Meeting House restaurants and Niche Coaching and Consulting.
While Mobolade may not have held public office prior to assuming the mayoral position, he is no stranger to civic engagement. He lent his expertise to various Colorado Springs director boards, including the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs Advisory Council and the Pikes Peak Workforce Center Workforce Development Board. This experience, coupled with his unwavering commitment to community well-being, positions him as a capable leader ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
At the core of Mobolade’s governing philosophy lies the concept of “city flourishing.” His vision, as articulated on his campaign website, is to foster the thriving and blossoming of Colorado Springs across all sectors, be it economic, political, social, or ecological. With a focus on neighborhood vitality and a call to “love where you live,” Mobolade seeks to empower residents to take practical steps toward knowing and caring for their neighbors. He firmly believes that a city thrives when its neighborhoods thrive, and this guiding principle promises a fresh approach to governance.
As Mobolade assumes office on this momentous day, June 6th, the significance of his victory cannot be overstated. It symbolizes a triumph for diversity, inclusivity, and the power of perseverance. Colorado Springs, an emblematic American city nestled in the scenic landscape of Colorado, now embarks on a new chapter under Mobolade’s leadership. His historic win not only breaks barriers but also embodies the essence of the American dream, where immigrants can rise to the highest echelons of public service and inspire generations to come.
Written by: Phillip Kulubya
