By Oke Peter
Ikeja Electric has announced the appointment of Mrs. Ogochukwu Onyelucheya as its Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026, following the elevation of the outgoing CEO, Mrs. Folake Soetan, to a broader strategic position within Sahara Group’s power and upstream businesses.
The appointment was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the company's Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, who said the leadership transition is designed to strengthen the utility's capacity to drive growth, innovation and improved service delivery.
According to the company, Soetan, who has led Ikeja Electric since 2020, will now oversee wider strategic responsibilities across Sahara Group after steering the distribution company through a period of operational transformation and business growth.
Chairman of Ikeja Electric, Kola Adesina, praised Soetan’s leadership, describing her tenure as one that repositioned the company for long-term success.
He said her leadership helped build a more resilient, customer-focused and performance-driven organisation while reinforcing stakeholder confidence and improving operational efficiency.
•Mrs. Ogochukwu Onyelucheya, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Electric
Reflecting on her time at the helm, Soetan expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the company, noting that she remains committed to advancing sustainable and inclusive energy solutions in her new role across Sahara Group.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside a dedicated team committed to delivering value to customers and communities. I look forward to supporting the group's vision of providing sustainable and impactful energy solutions across Africa," she said.
The company said Onyelucheya's appointment underscores the board's confidence in her leadership, strategic insight and proven ability to deliver organisational transformation and sustainable business performance.
Adesina described the new acting CEO as an accomplished corporate executive whose experience in strategy execution, financial management and operational excellence would help consolidate the gains already achieved by the company.
With more than two decades of experience spanning the banking and energy sectors, Onyelucheya has led several business transformation initiatives, including process automation, digitalisation and revenue assurance programmes aimed at boosting operational efficiency and financial performance.
She 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 is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
Speaking on her appointment, Onyelucheya pledged to build on Ikeja Electric's existing achievements by enhancing customer experience, strengthening public confidence and driving sustainable business performance.
The company added that the leadership change reflects its commitment to continuity, operational excellence and the delivery of reliable electricity services that support economic growth, improve customer satisfaction and create lasting value for stakeholders.
