The Ogun State Government has warned residents in low-lying and riverbank areas to prepare for possible flooding as the Ogun River is expected to overflow between October 20 and November 3.
Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said in a statement on Monday that the situation was linked to the controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam following heavy rainfall in northern Nigeria.
He listed areas likely to be affected as Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, and parts of Abeokuta, including Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo.
According to Oresanya, the combination of high rainfall and tidal rise had forced the release of excess water to prevent dam overflow.
“The state government has continued dredging and opening tributaries of the Ogun River to reduce pressure and ease the flow of water,” he said.
He advised residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert, move to higher ground, or take temporary steps to raise their homes and valuables.
Oresanya also called on fish farmers in the affected communities to harvest their stock early to prevent losses.
He explained that this year’s controlled release was more cautious compared to 2024, when over 17,000 million litres of water were discharged daily. This year, the release stands at about 12,000 million litres per day.
Despite the warning, the commissioner assured residents that the water level was expected to recede within ten days and urged them not to panic.
He said the government was working with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority to manage the situation effectively while addressing the effects of climate change.
