In a decisive move to tackle Nigeria’s worsening electricity crisis and spiralling energy costs, the Olu of Ilawo Kingdom in Abeokuta, Oba Prof. Alexander Olusegun MacGregor, has converted his palace to a solar-powered facility.
The transition, described as one of the first of its kind among royal institutions in Egba land, signals a growing shift towards renewable energy as households and organisations grapple with erratic power supply and rising diesel expenses.
Findings showed that before the switch, the palace reportedly spent over ₦100,000 daily on diesel and about ₦2.8m monthly on electricity—figures that mirror the burden faced by many Nigerians amid persistent grid instability.
The solar system, installed and inaugurated on March 26, 2026 by Herolinks GlobalTech, is designed to provide uninterrupted power supply to the palace.
According to the firm’s manager, Yakubu Yunusa, the facility comprises a 17.6-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array for daytime generation, a 30-kilowatt-hour lithium battery bank for energy storage, and a 12-kilowatt hybrid inverter to ensure stable electricity distribution.
Yunusa noted that the installation would eliminate dependence on diesel generators and significantly reduce energy costs, while guaranteeing steady power supply both day and night.
“The system allows for efficient operation of heavy appliances during the day and ensures uninterrupted electricity at night, completely freeing the palace from unreliable grid supply,” he said.
Speaking on the development, the monarch said the initiative was driven by the need for sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions, especially in the face of Nigeria’s persistent power challenges.
He added that the project reflects the kingdom’s commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability, while also serving as a model for other communities and institutions.
Further expansion of the solar infrastructure is already underway, with plans to achieve full off-grid independence and completely eliminate reliance on public electricity and fossil fuel generators.
Energy analysts say the move underscores the increasing adoption of renewable energy solutions across Nigeria, as consumers seek alternatives to the national grid, which has continued to suffer frequent collapses and supply shortages.
The Ilawo Kingdom’s initiative, they added, could spur wider acceptance of solar power in both urban and rural communities, particularly as the cost of conventional energy sources continues to rise.
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