Ikeja Electric has announced the appointment of Mrs Ogochukwu Onyelucheya as its Acting Chief Executive Officer, with the new role taking effect from July 1, 2026.
The change follows the transition of the outgoing CEO, Mrs Folake Soetan, who will move into a broader strategic position within the energy sector.
In a statement issued by the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, the firm explained that the leadership change is part of efforts to strengthen its management structure and drive improved growth, innovation, and service delivery across the electricity value chain.
Soetan, who has led the company since 2020, is set to assume expanded responsibilities within Sahara’s power and upstream operations after overseeing what the company described as a major transformation of Ikeja Electric over the past six years.
The Chairman of Ikeja Electric, Kola Adesina, praised her contributions, describing her tenure as highly impactful and transformative.
He said, “Folake has been instrumental in transforming Ikeja Electric into a more resilient, customer-focused, and performance-driven organisation. Her leadership reflects the very essence of innovation, resilience, and impact.”
According to the company, her leadership period saw notable improvements in operational efficiency, stronger stakeholder trust, and a better positioning of the organisation for long-term sustainability in Nigeria’s power sector.
Commenting on her new role, Soetan said, “It has been an honour to lead Ikeja Electric and work alongside a team committed to delivering value to customers and communities. As I take on this new role across Sahara’s power and upstream businesses, I look forward to supporting the group’s vision of delivering sustainable, inclusive, and impactful energy solutions across Africa.”
The board expressed confidence in Onyelucheya’s appointment, citing her experience, strategic leadership, and proven ability in driving organisational performance and transformation.
Adesina said, “Ogochukwu brings a compelling blend of leadership experience, strategic clarity, and execution discipline. We are confident in her ability to build on the strong foundation established at Ikeja Electric while driving innovation, efficiency, and customer-centric growth. She has our full support as she leads the business into its next chapter.”
Onyelucheya, who has over two decades of experience in banking, finance, and energy sectors, is known for her expertise in business transformation, financial management, and operational improvement.
She holds degrees in Accounting and Finance-related studies and is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
In her remarks, she pledged to build on existing achievements while prioritising better customer service and improved operational performance.
“Taking on the responsibility of building on the strong foundation at Ikeja Electric is a privilege for the incredible IE team and me. Our focus remains on delivering improved service, deepening customer trust, and driving sustainable performance as we continue to create value for all stakeholders.”
