ABEOKUTA — The Ogun State government has warned residents in riverside and low-lying communities to prepare for overflowing of the Ogun River between October 20 and November 3, citing controlled releases from Oyan Dam and heavy upstream rainfall.
Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya said in a flood alert on Monday that inflows from the north are raising water levels at the dam, necessitating staggered discharge to protect infrastructure and downstream communities.
Areas on alert include:
Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola; and parts of Abeokuta—Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade and Ago-Odo.
Oresanya urged residents to stay off riverbanks, relocate from wetlands to higher ground, and elevate valuables where relocation isn’t immediately possible. He advised fish farmers to harvest stock early to avoid losses.
He added that the state has been dredging channels and opening tributaries to ease flow on the Ogun River, working in tandem with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority, which manages Oyan Dam and is maintaining a controlled release regimen.
Residents were asked not to panic, with authorities projecting that water levels should recede about 10 days after the peak period. The government also appealed for caution to prevent loss of life and property during the window of elevated risk.
What to do now
Monitor official advisories and emergency contact lines.
Move from flood-prone homes to safer locations; prepare go-bags and secure documents.
Clear drains and avoid dumping refuse in waterways.
Disconnect power at the mains if water enters living spaces; avoid wading through moving water.
