Ogun issues flood alert, warns communities to relocate immediately

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood alert, warning residents of low-lying and riverbank communities to brace for a likely overflow of the Ogun River between October 20 and November 3.

This marks the third flood alert of the year and affects areas including Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, and parts of Abeokuta such as Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the anticipated flooding would result from a controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam, triggered by heavy rainfall from the northern part of the country and rising tidal levels.

Oresanya explained that the increased water inflow into the dam has made the release unavoidable, warning residents to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard their lives and property.

“Residents in flood-prone communities must avoid riverbanks and, where possible, relocate to higher grounds or elevate their living spaces. The overflow is inevitable, but precautions can prevent tragedy,” he said.

The Commissioner noted that the state government, in collaboration with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, continues to dredge tributaries and clear channels to reduce the impact of flooding.

He added that the current discharge from the dam, about 12,000 million litres per day, is lower than last year’s 17,000 million litres, a result of tighter control measures.

Despite the preparations, Oresanya urged residents not to panic, assuring that the water level would recede within about ten days.

“The government cannot stop the forces of nature, but we are working to minimise their impact. Ogun’s location as a coastal state and a gateway for northern water flows into the lagoon makes it more vulnerable to climate change,” he said.

He also advised fish farmers in the affected communities to harvest their stock immediately to avoid devastating losses from the expected overflow.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that collective caution remains key in confronting the realities of climate-induced flooding.