Ogun Govt Issues Flood Alert as Oyan Dam Release Raises Water Levels

The Ogun State Government has issued a flood alert to residents in parts of the state following plans for a controlled water release from the Oyan Dam, which may cause the overflow of the Ogun River between October 20 and November 3.

Areas likely to be affected include 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 by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the government linked the anticipated overflow to heavy rainfall in the northern part of the country, which has increased inflow into the dam.

Oresanya explained that the surge in water volume, combined with rising tidal levels, necessitated the release to prevent damage to the dam structure.

He urged residents in flood-prone and riverbank communities to remain cautious and take preventive measures to safeguard lives and property.

“Residents living along the riverbank should vacate flood-prone zones, while those in wetland areas are advised to move to higher ground or temporarily elevate their homes,” he said.

The commissioner noted that the state government had intensified dredging and clearing of tributaries of the Ogun River to reduce pressure and improve water flow.

According to him, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority, which manages the Oyan Dam, has been working closely with the state to ensure that water is released in a controlled and measured manner.

Comparing this year’s figures with those of 2024, Oresanya said:

“At this period last year, over 17,000 million litres of water were released daily. This year, despite heavy rainfall, only about 12,000 million litres per day have been released.”

He said the figures reflect a more cautious approach to managing the dam’s capacity and mitigating flood risks.

Oresanya assured residents that the water level would recede within about 10 days, urging them not to panic as the state government continues to respond to the effects of climate change.

He also reminded residents that Ogun State naturally serves as a major outlet for water flow from northern Nigeria into the lagoon and called on fish farmers in affected areas to harvest their stock immediately to prevent losses.