Akure, September 5, 2025 –
Fresh controversy is brewing in Ondo State over alleged moves by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) to dismantle and sell masts belonging to Odua Investments Group, operators of O’Net Telecommunications.
Officials of SITA, acting under a purported court order, had reportedly authorized a private firm, Stogmer Pius Nigeria Limited, to decommission two O’Net masts currently in use by FloWzap Telecoms. The facilities are located beside Akure Central Mosque and on Elshaddai Road in Akure.
The move has sparked tension as management of FloWzap raised alarm that their operations—and the jobs tied to them—face destruction.
In a letter dated September 4, 2025, SITA Director Adeyemi Oluwole, writing on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, confirmed the authorization, citing a July 22 High Court judgment on abandoned masts in the state. The agency fixed September 6 for the dismantling operation.
However, allegations have surfaced that the agency intends to sell the masts as scrap to the authorized firm, despite O’Net being the legitimate owner of the facilities.
FloWzap’s lawyer, Barr. Dele Ibitayo, has petitioned authorities, describing SITA’s actions as “an illegal notice to steal and destroy Odua Investment property.” He argued that neither O’Net nor FloWzap was party to the court judgment being cited and stressed that the masts cannot be regarded as abandoned since they have been in active use for four years with all dues paid.
The petition also accused SITA of deploying security operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to intimidate the company while allegedly pursuing illegal sale of the masts.
Traditional ruler and CEO of FloWzap, HRM Oba David Olajide Okunato, the Ireshi of Osi Kingdom in Akure North, has appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Attorney General Dr. Kayode Ajulo (SAN), Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, and the Nigeria Police to halt the planned action.
Oba Olajide stressed:
“Our masts are not abandoned; they are functional and serving thousands of people. As an investor, I am committed to developing Ondo State, but such actions by some officials only discourage genuine entrepreneurship.”
The monarch pleaded for immediate government intervention, warning that the dismantling would not only damage Odua Investments’ property but also cripple internet service provision in the state capital and beyond.
