Tragedy In Ibadan: Man Falls From 26-Storey Cocoa House In Oyo.
A yet-to-be-identified man has tragically fallen from one of the upper floors of the iconic 26-storey Cocoa House building in Ibadan, Oyo State, sending shockwaves through the bustling Dugbe business district. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, 2 June 2025, has left eyewitnesses and the local community in a state of panic and disbelief.
According to witnesses, the man plummeted from a high floor of the historic skyscraper, with some reports suggesting it may have been the 23rd floor, home to the Odua Museum and Hall of Fame. One onlooker, speaking anonymously to PUNCH, recounted the harrowing moment: “When the incident happened, I initially thought it was a large bird falling from the sky. It was only when the person landed that I realised it was a human being. I had my phone with me but I couldn’t even record anything because I was completely shocked.” Another witness added, “The victim first hit a roof beside the security post of the building before landing on the ground. It was a terrifying sight.”
The Odu’a Investment Company Limited, which owns and manages Cocoa House, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Tuesday, 3 June 2025. Victor Ayetoro, Head of Branding and Communication, expressed deep concern over the tragedy, noting, “The individual involved was swiftly attended to by the emergency response team and taken to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for urgent medical attention.” The company pledged full cooperation with authorities to investigate the cause of the fall, though the man’s condition remains unclear, with some speculation suggesting the incident could have been fatal.
As of Wednesday, 4 June 2025, the circumstances surrounding the fall remain sketchy, with no official word on the man’s identity or whether the incident was accidental or intentional. Some reports have speculated that the individual may have been a staff member of Odu’a Investment Company, but this has not been confirmed. The Oyo State Police Command has yet to provide a detailed update, with spokesman Adewale Osifeso reportedly unavailable for comment as investigations continue.
Cocoa House, completed in July 1964 and opened in 1965, holds a storied place in Nigeria’s history as West Africa’s first skyscraper. Built with proceeds from agricultural commodities like cocoa, rubber, and timber, it remains Ibadan’s tallest building and a symbol of pride for Oyo State. This tragic event has cast a shadow over the landmark, prompting renewed discussions about safety measures in high-rise structures.
The incident follows other recent challenges for Cocoa House, including a 1985 fire that gutted the building and a 2021 elevator collapse that claimed one life and injured three others during repairs. As the investigation unfolds, the people of Ibadan and beyond await answers, hoping for clarity and measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
