Tension grows over SITA's alleged plans to remove Odua Telecoms facilities

A brewing crisis in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, has emerged as officials from the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) move forward with plans to dismantle telecommunications masts belonging to Odua Investments Group, specifically O’Net Telecommunications. 

This action is reportedly in connection to a controversial court order, heightening anxiety among local stakeholders.

Sources revealed that FloWzap Telecoms, an Akure-based communications company that has leased two masts from O’Net, finds itself entangled in the situation after being brought into the court proceedings alongside SITA.

The decision to remove the two masts situated near the Akure Central Mosque and along Elshaddai Road threatens to disrupt the internet services provided by FloWzap, putting the livelihoods of its management and staff at risk.

In a letter dated September 4, 2025, Mr. Adeyemi Oluwole, a Director at SITA acting on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, announced that the agency has engaged Stogmer Pius Nigeria Limited for the decommissioning of the masts. 

Oluwole stated, “Further to the judgement received from the High Court of Ondo State on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, on the decommissioning of abandoned masts in the state, the Agency therefore has authority to carry out the exercise. Consequently, I am directed to notify you that the operation will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025.”

However, allegations have surfaced that SITA officials intend to sell the masts as scrap, despite not owning the property. 

In a petition to relevant authorities over the issue, the legal practitioner for the telecoms firm, Barr. Dele Ibitayo, said, “RE: ILLEGAL NOTICE TO STEAL AND DESTROY ODUA INVESTMENT PROPERTY AT ONDO STATE: We are solicitors to Flozap Telecoms Nigeria Ltd, and on her behalf we petition as follows: That the State Information Technology Agency wrote a letter of decommission of our client Masts on the 4th day of September 2025 threatening to dismantle the ODUA Mast that was leased to our client by O-NET, the company that inherited the ODUA Investment property."

“That the Agency (SITA) is claiming to have a judgement that our client, nor the O-NET Company is not a party to it."

“That the Agency is threatening that the Mast is an abandoned one while our client is presently using the Mast since 4 years ago with all commission and payment due to the appropriate quarters being paid, hence it is not an abandoned mast."

“That the Hon. Attorney General of the State has intervened in this matter before, but the Agency is proving stubborn; they are using the Civil Defence (NSCDC) officials to intimidate our client, having (allegedly) sold the masts illegally."

“In view of this, we are using this medium to appeal to you, to use your good offices to protect the masts from being illegally damaged and/or sold as scrap as the masts are Odua Investments that was jointly owned by six states.”

In light of the developments, HRM Oba David Olajide Okunato, a traditional ruler and CEO of FloWzap Telecoms, has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo State Attorney General Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, the Pan-Yoruba group Afenifere, and the Nigeria Police to intervene. 

Oba Okunato urged, “I kindly appeal to our dear Mr. Governor and Hon AG to intervene and stop the SITA officials from removing Odua Investment legitimate telecom masts, which are essential for providing internet services to the people of our Ondo State and beyond. As a business owner, I am committed to developing our state, and actions of some few officials discourage entrepreneurs from investing in our state.”

“Our telecom masts beside Akure Central Mosque and on Elshaddai Road, Akure are not abandoned; they are working well. We are ready to obtain the necessary government permits if any is required,” the monarch, who is also the Ireshi of Osi Kingdom in Akure North local government area, pleaded.