Ikeja Electricity Appoints New Acting CEO

Ikeja Electric has appointed Mrs Ogochukwu Onyelucheya as its Acting Chief Executive Officer, with the appointment taking effect from July 1, 2026. The company announced the decision on Saturday following the transition of its current Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Folake Soetan, to a broader leadership position within Sahara Group’s power and upstream businesses.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie. According to the company, the leadership change is part of its plans to strengthen management and support continued growth, innovation and improved service delivery across its operations.

Soetan, who has led Ikeja Electric since 2020, will now oversee wider strategic responsibilities within Sahara Group after spending six years directing the electricity distribution company. During her tenure, the company recorded improvements in operational performance, built stronger relationships with stakeholders and expanded its position in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

The Chairman of Ikeja Electric, Kola Adesina, credited Soetan with helping to build a stronger organisation that focused on customers, improved performance and long-term growth. He also expressed confidence that the company would continue on the same path under its new leadership.

Speaking on her transition, Soetan said leading Ikeja Electric had been a rewarding experience. She noted that she would continue supporting the group’s goal of providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions across Africa in her new position.

The company said Onyelucheya’s appointment followed her strong record in corporate leadership, business strategy and organisational development. It stated that she has more than 20 years of experience in the banking and energy sectors, where she has managed business transformation projects, financial operations, automation initiatives and revenue assurance systems.

Onyelucheya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, a Master’s degree in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London, and has also completed executive education at Harvard Business School.

Reacting to her appointment, Onyelucheya said she would build on the progress already made by the company while working to improve customer service, strengthen public confidence and deliver better operational results. She added that her team would remain focused on creating lasting value for customers and other stakeholders.

Ikeja Electric said the latest leadership change reflects its commitment to maintaining business continuity, improving operational efficiency and providing reliable electricity services. The company added that it remains focused on improving customer experience, expanding access to electricity and delivering value to employees, investors, regulators and the communities it serves.