Ogun issues evacuation warning to 20+ communities

The Ogun State Government has advised residents living in flood-prone areas across the state to temporarily relocate to safer grounds as a precaution against anticipated heavy flooding between the last week of September and the second week of October 2025.

This advisory was issued in the 2025 Midterm Flood Alert press release by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, on Sunday. The affected areas include communities along the Ogun, Ilo, Iju, Owa, and Yemule Rivers, such as Isheri, Warewa, Akute, parts of Abeokuta, Ayetoro, Itele, and Iju, as well as Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara (Ogun Waterside), Ebute-Imobi (Ijebu East), Tungeji Island, and Agosasa in Ipokia Local Government.

Dr. Oresanya stated that the flooding, expected to last around two weeks, marks the second phase of the annual flood season, typically occurring between September and November. He warned that rising water levels will be driven by heavy local rainfall, water inflow from the northern parts of Nigeria and neighboring Benin Republic, and potential tidal lock from rising sea levels. Additionally, the situation may be worsened by water releases from the Oyan Dam into the Ogun River.

Quoting predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Oresanya noted that September is forecasted to receive the highest rainfall (204mm), followed by October (190mm), with rainfall expected to reduce to 93mm by November.

To mitigate the effects, the State Government says it has placed its State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) on high alert for possible emergency evacuations and is collaborating with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to coordinate water releases from the Oyan Dam.

Residents in at-risk communities are also advised to avoid drinking water from boreholes and wells during the period, as floodwaters may contaminate underground sources.

The Commissioner also urged fish farmers, particularly those operating along flood plains, to harvest their fish stock immediately to avoid losses. He specifically mentioned locations such as Eriwe and Yemule in Ijebu Ode, and Ilase and Ayegbami in Yewa as needing urgent action.

Dr. Oresanya appreciated the cooperation of residents over the years, noting that collaborative efforts have significantly reduced the impact of flooding across the state. He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to maintaining a safer and more flood-resilient Ogun State.