The Lagos and Ogun state governments have issued warnings to residents living in flood-prone areas to temporarily relocate or prepare for potential flooding ahead of the planned release of water from the Oyan dam. This annual process, managed by the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), aims to manage dam levels during the rainy season.
Last year’s release of excess water from the dam resulted in severe flooding in Isheri Riverview estate and surrounding areas in Warewa and OPIC, Obafemi Owode Local government area. To avoid a repeat, both states advise communities in low-lying areas to take precautions, including relocating to safer ground, as the release may cause rivers to overflow.
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated, “We have done the advocacy, we have told people to leave the low line areas… Those staying on the low line areas have to leave, particularly those at Ajilete and other areas around Owode-Onirin.” Wahab emphasized that the Federal government has commenced dredging rivers along the dam’s corridor to prevent devastating flooding incidents.
Ogun State Commissioner Ola Oresanya noted that the dam plans to increase its water volume to create space in the reservoir. However, OORBDA’s Head of Public Relations, Saliu Adeniyi, reassured residents that the release will not lead to flooding incidents, citing regular maintenance and monitoring.
