The Ogun State Government has raised an urgent flood alert, warning residents of riverine and coastal communities to relocate to safer areas between late September and mid-October to avoid severe flooding.
According to the 2025 Ogun State Midterm Flood Alert Press Statement, issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, several communities across the state are at risk due to heavy rainfall, river overflow, and possible water releases from the Oyan Dam.
Areas expected to be most affected include Isheri, Warewa, Akute, parts of Abeokuta, Ayetoro, Itele, and Iju along the Ogun, Ilo, Iju, Owa, and Yemule Rivers. Coastal and waterside communities such as Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara, Ebute-Imobi, Tungeji Island, and Agosasa in Ipokia Local Government Area have also been listed as high-risk zones.
“The overflow, which usually lasts for two weeks, is part of the second phase of flooding that occurs every year between September and November,” Oresanya explained.
He cited Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) projections, which show that September will record the highest rainfall at 204mm, followed by October with 190mm, before reducing to 93mm in November.
The commissioner outlined key causes of the expected flooding:
- Overflow of rivers
- Rising sea levels and tidal lock
- Heavy rainfall and stormwater inflows from northern Nigeria and Benin Republic
- Possible water releases from Oyan Dam
To reduce risks, Oresanya said the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is on high alert for emergency evacuation and relocation to temporary camps. The Ministry of Environment is also working with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to regulate water discharges from Oyan Dam.
He warned residents in flood-prone areas against using boreholes and wells during the period, stressing that water sources may be contaminated. Fish farmers across the state, particularly in Eriwe, Yemule (Ijebu-Ode), Ilase, and Ayegbami in Yewa, were advised to urgently harvest their stock to prevent huge losses.
“Residents should avoid consuming contaminated water, as tidal variations will worsen water quality,” Oresanya added.
The commissioner appreciated residents for their past cooperation in environmental management, noting that such efforts had significantly reduced flooding and its impact in recent years.
He reaffirmed the Ogun State Government’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and livelihoods as the flooding season approaches.
