In a tragic incident on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, a technician lost his life, and three others sustained injuries during maintenance work on an elevator at the iconic Cocoa House in Dugbe, Ibadan, Oyo State. The accident occurred around 11:00 AM when the elevator, undergoing dismantling in preparation for a new installation, suffered a mechanical failure and crashed into the basement pit.
Victor Ayetoro, Head of Corporate Affairs at Odu’a Investment Company Limited—the firm managing Cocoa House—confirmed the incident, stating that the lift installation team from their contractor experienced a mechanical failure while dismantling the old lift. One technician did not survive the incident, while three others sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The contractor handling the elevator replacement, JMG Limited, expressed deep regret over the incident and confirmed that their management has taken charge of the situation. Investigations into the cause of the accident are underway, and the company is cooperating with the police and ensuring that the injured receive satisfactory medical care.
Cocoa House, completed in July 1964 and commissioned in July 1965, stands as a significant landmark in Nigeria's architectural history. At 105 meters tall, it was the first skyscraper in West Africa and, from 1965 to 1979, the tallest building in Nigeria. Located in Dugbe, a major commercial area in Ibadan, the building was constructed from proceeds of agricultural commodities like cocoa, rubber, and timber.
The building underwent significant renovations in October 2024, including upgrades to the ground floor reception, car park, and general surroundings, as part of Odu’a Investment Company Limited's efforts to modernize and enhance the iconic structure.
This incident has raised concerns about safety protocols during maintenance operations in high-rise buildings. Authorities have been informed, and further investigations are expected to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.
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