A tragic incident occurred at Ibadan’s iconic 26-storey Cocoa House on January 6, 2021, when an elevator undergoing maintenance suffered a mechanical failure and crashed into the basement pit. This accident resulted in the death of one technician and left three others injured.
According to Victor Ayetoro, Head of Corporate Affairs at Odu’a Investment Company Limited, the elevator installation team was dismantling the old lift in preparation for a new installation when the malfunction happened. The injured technicians were promptly taken to the hospital for treatment, while the deceased’s body was moved to a mortuary. Authorities, including the police, have been notified, and company representatives are managing the situation .
Cocoa House, completed in 1965, holds historical significance as Nigeria’s first skyscraper and a symbol of the nation’s post-independence economic aspirations. Despite past challenges, including a devastating fire in 1985, the building has remained a prominent landmark in Ibadan .
This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols during maintenance operations, especially in structures of such historical and architectural significance.
