The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood warning — its third in 2025 — urging residents of riverbank and wetland communities to prepare for possible flooding following the planned release of water from the Oyan Dam.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the controlled water release will take place between October 20 and November 3 due to rising water levels caused by heavy rainfall in northern parts of the country.
Oresanya explained that the expected overflow of the Ogun River could be compounded by high tidal levels, posing significant risks to residents in low-lying areas.
He said, “Residents are advised to exercise caution and avoid loss of lives and property as the overflow becomes inevitable. Those living close to the riverbank should stay away, while residents in wetland areas should move to higher ground or elevate their living conditions temporarily.”
Communities 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.
The commissioner assured that the government, in collaboration with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, has been dredging and clearing waterways to reduce the impact of flooding. He noted that the dam’s water release is being carefully managed to prevent widespread damage.
Comparing flood data from previous years, Oresanya revealed that in 2025, the Oyan Dam released 12,000 million litres of water per day, a marked improvement from 17,000 million litres per day recorded in 2024.
He attributed this reduction to the government’s “painstaking management of flood risks,” while acknowledging that natural factors still pose unavoidable challenges.
“Our mitigation efforts cannot completely stop natural occurrences, especially as Ogun remains one of Nigeria’s coastal states directly affected by climate change,” he added.
Oresanya urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, assuring that the situation was under control and that water levels were expected to subside within ten days of the controlled release.
He further advised fish farmers in flood-prone areas to harvest their stock immediately to prevent losses.
“Ogun’s geography as a natural outlet for water flowing from northern Nigeria into the lagoon makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding,” he said, calling for continued cooperation and compliance from residents.
