• Celebrating A Monument Of Vision, Resilience
Sixty years after it was built, Cocoa House remains a towering symbol of the Western Region’s agricultural prosperity and the visionary leadership of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and his deputy, the late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.
The 60th anniversary of this 105-metre skyscraper, which once held the title of tallest building in Nigeria, was commemorated this year in Ibadan, Oyo State. It was organised by Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) in collaboration with key business stakeholders and real estate professionals.
At the heart of the celebration was a renewed appreciation for what Cocoa House represents: a product of foresight, self-reliance, and regional unity.
Originally envisioned in the late 1950s by Chief Awolowo, the building was a deliberate effort to convert the region’s agricultural wealth into physical infrastructure that would inspire pride and drive economic activity. It continues to stand not just as a structure, but as a statement of what is possible through disciplined investment and purposeful governance.
Constructed by the Italian firm Messrs Cappa and D’Alberto and overseen by the National Investment and Property Company (NIPC), the 26-storey tower was completed in July 1964 and commissioned a year later in July 1965 by Chief Ladoke Akintola, Awolowo’s successor.
It was initially called Ile Awon Agbe ‘The House of Farmers’, a name meant to honour hardworking cocoa farmers who powered the region’s economy, it was later changed to Cocoa House.
Strategically sited in the bustling commercial centre of Dugbe, Ibadan, the building’s cocoa-brown façade paid homage to the crop that made it possible.
Initially serving as the headquarters of the Western Nigeria Marketing Board, Cocoa House quickly became more than a commercial hub; it became a symbol of Western Nigeria’s drive for industrialisation, strategic planning, and home-grown development.
However, the journey of the landmark has not been without adversity. On January 9, 1985, a fire triggered by an electrical fault gutted the upper floors of the building, leading to a period of decline. Yet, the will to preserve this historic legacy never faded.
In 1992, after significant renovation efforts, the building was re-opened and re-commissioned by the governors of the Western states of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti under the joint ownership of Odu’a Investment Company Limited.
Today, Cocoa House is managed by Wemabod Limited, a subsidiary of OICL, and continues to function as a thriving commercial centre housing offices, retail outlets, and conference spaces. But its importance extends far beyond business.
In 2013, the 24th floor of Cocoa House was transformed into the Odu’a Museum and Hall of Fame, inaugurated by Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.
The museum hosts curated Yoruba artefacts, archival records, and tributes to distinguished Yoruba figures positioning Cocoa House not just as a business hub, but as a living cultural archive.
To mark the diamond anniversary, OICL also unveiled a new wave of renovations in 2024 to modernise the facility. The reception area, parking spaces, and immediate surroundings were upgraded to enhance visitor’s experience while maintaining the building’s historic integrity.
At the event, stakeholders and government representatives reiterated that Cocoa House remains a model for infrastructure sustainability in Nigeria.
They called on both the public and private sectors to draw lessons from the vision and execution that birthed the edifice.
The Managing Director of Odu’a Investment, Abdulrahman Yinusa, described the Cocoa House as ‘our talking drum’ and ‘our oríkì in stone and glass,’ symbolising the vision of a people who “planted cocoa and harvested skyscrapers.” He said the building should continue to inspire unity, discipline, and foresight across generations.
Reflecting on the legacy of the structure, he said Cocoa House was never just a commercial tower but a declaration of intent by visionary leaders who saw prosperity beyond their time.
“From day one, it was more than concrete, steel, and glass. It was a statement. A declaration to the world that the Yoruba nation understood enterprise, valued excellence, and could transform agricultural wealth into enduring infrastructure,” he said.
According to him, a series of events were organised over several weeks to commemorate the 60th anniversary, drawing participation from leaders, professionals, youth, and members of the public across the South-West.
Among the highlights was the symbolic balloon release held on July 30, exactly 60 years after the building was commissioned in 1965. The event, which held on the rooftop, front, and rear of Cocoa House, was described by the OICL boss as “lifting our eyes and spirits with the dreams that birthed Cocoa House and the aspirations it still inspires.”
On August 14, Odu’a Investment, in collaboration with the DAWN Commission, hosted a lecture that focused on the economic foresight of the region’s past leaders and how their legacy should inform development strategies for the future.
In keeping with the Odu’a ethos of wellness and compassion, a Commemorative Health Walk and Charity Visit was held on August 15, followed by a Youth Hangout on August 18, where young entrepreneurs and innovators were encouraged to “protect this legacy while building their own.”
Throughout the anniversary week, the 23rd floor of Cocoa House, the home of the Odu’a Museum and Hall of Fame, was opened to the public at no cost.
The grand finale of the celebration featured the premiere of a Cocoa House documentary and a panel discussion on the evolution of high-rise buildings in Nigeria. The session explored the challenges and opportunities of urban development, using Cocoa House as a case study in sustainable, visionary infrastructure. Yinusa noted that the building’s relevance has been sustained through consistent investment in maintenance and upgrade.
In 2024, significant renovations were undertaken, including a revamp of the reception area, improved parking facilities, and enhancement of the surrounding premises.
“These upgrades are part of our commitment to blend preservation with modernisation, Cocoa House must remain not just a relic of history, but a living, thriving centre of enterprise.”
Yinusa added that the edifice, which once housed the Western Nigeria Marketing Board, is now home to modern businesses, offices, retail outlets, and cultural institutions fitting for a building that has become “a bridge between heritage and innovation.”
He urged leaders and future generations to draw from the building’s symbolism, noting that with vision, unity, and discipline; even the humblest seed can grow into a monument that towers above the skyline for generations.
Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, described Cocoa House as more than a building, calling it “a living, breathing chapter” in the history of the South-West and a testament to the ambition, resilience, and enterprise of the Yoruba people.
Ashiru said the 26-storey tower, once the tallest in tropical Africa, was born out of vision during the cocoa boom of the 1960s and continues to represent the region’s drive for excellence and self-reliance.
He recalled the fire incident of January 9, 1985, which destroyed parts of the building and claimed lives. While acknowledging the tragedy, he commended the determination of those who led its restoration, describing the effort as “more than construction work it was an act of defiance, a statement that we will not be defined by our setbacks, but by our comebacks.”
Ashiru paid tribute to the victims of the fire and commended the stewardship of successive boards, management teams, and shareholders who, over the decades, have sustained the building’s relevance. He also recognised tenants and business partners whose presence continues to breathe life into the edifice.
“This diamond jubilee is not just a celebration of history, but a reaffirmation of our duty to the future,” he said. Reiterating the board’s forward-looking vision, he assured stakeholders that Cocoa House would not be reduced to a relic of the past. “We are committed to making Cocoa House not just a monument to the past, but a hub for the future. It integrates modern infrastructure, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge facilities, while preserving its soul.
“Cocoa House is a part of our lives. It is the backdrop to our city’s skyline, the anchor of countless business stories, and a silent witness to the dreams and struggles of generations. At 60, it is not slowing down; it is standing taller than ever, calling us to match its resilience with our own. May Cocoa House continue to inspire us to think big, act boldly, and work together for the good of our people.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described Cocoa House as a towering symbol of Yoruba resilience and visionary leadership. He highlighted that the iconic building stands as a testament to the foresight of the region’s forefathers who transformed agricultural wealth into enduring infrastructure.
Sanwo-Olu commended Odu’a Investment Company Limited for preserving and promoting this legacy through continuous stewardship. Reflecting on the significance of the diamond anniversary, the governor urged the current generation to build on this heritage by investing boldly not only in agriculture but also in technology, education, and infrastructure to drive sustainable development.
The governor stressed the importance of regional unity, pledging Lagos State’s commitment to deepen collaboration among the South-West states for collective progress.
He called on all stakeholders to view the anniversary as a clarion call to action, a celebration of past achievements and a bold declaration to build an even brighter and more prosperous future together.
..In the same view, the Governors of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States represented by their Secretaries to the State Governments (SSGs) at the event expressed strong support for teamwork and collaboration with partners to drive regional development.
They reiterated their commitment to investment growth, especially in agriculture, noting the importance of cocoa production as a key economic and cultural asset and urged continued backing of ongoing initiatives.
They advocated for the need to build on the foundation for sustainable development, economic diversification, and innovation to benefit future generations.
Former Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Mr. Adewale Raji, described the diamond anniversary of Cocoa House as a significant milestone that honours the enduring spirit of innovation and resilience within the region. He recognised the critical contributions of the shareholders, as well as the unwavering commitment of the board, management, and staff in sustaining the building’s legacy.
Raji emphasised the significance of the building’s original name, “Ile Awon Agbe,” which pays homage to the hardworking farmers whose efforts fueled the economic growth of the former Western Region.
Former Minister of Industry, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, expressed that being part of the fabric of history is truly commendable.
She noted that Cocoa House stands as a lasting symbol of economic and agricultural prosperity and the visionary spirit of old Western Nigeria. As the first skyscraper and the tallest building in Nigeria for 14 years, Cocoa House holds a special place in the nation’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Akande highlighted Cocoa House’s resilience over more than five decades and celebrated the collective journey, achievements, and legacy of everyone connected to its past and present. She emphasised that this anniversary is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision that have shaped Cocoa House into what it is today adding that with visionary leadership and strategic management, such legacies would continue to inspire and create lasting impact for future generations.
Representing the DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye highlighted the importance of leadership continuity in the success of Cocoa House. He recalled that the project was initiated under the visionary leadership of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, but it was his successor, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, who saw it through to completion and commissioning.
Oyeleye emphasised that Akintola’s decision to continue the project, despite political differences, exemplifies the principle that development transcends party politics.
He added that had Akintola abandoned the project, it is unlikely the military government that followed would have completed it, and Cocoa House would not be the landmark it is today.
