Flood: Ogun Raises Alarm, Urges Residents to Relocate- Ekohotblog

Flooding expected from late September to mid-October across several riverine and coastal communities.
Residents advised to relocate and avoid using boreholes or wells during the flood period.
Fish farmers told to harvest stock urgently to avoid losses.

The Ogun State Government has raised an alert over expected heavy flooding between late September and mid-October, urging residents in vulnerable communities to relocate to safer areas to avoid loss of life and property.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the warning was contained in the 2025 Midterm Flood Alert Statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, who said several riverine and coastal areas across the state face serious flood threats.

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Communities along major rivers including Ogun, Ilo, Iju, Owa, and Yemule are expected to experience significant overflow. Areas likely to be affected include Isheri, Warewa, Akute, parts of Abeokuta, Ayetoro, Itele, Iju, Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara in Ogun Waterside, Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East, Tungeji Island, and Agosasa in Ipokia Local Government Area.

According to the commissioner, the flooding is expected to stem from multiple sources: heavy rainfall, rising sea levels, overflow from northern rivers, possible water discharge from Oyan Dam, and tidal locks.

“This annual overflow, especially between September and November, usually lasts around two weeks,” he noted.

Dr. Oresanya said projections by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency show that rainfall will peak in September with 204mm, drop slightly to 190mm in October, and reduce further to 93mm by November.

To manage the situation, he said the State Emergency Management Agency is on standby for evacuation and emergency response, while the Ministry of Environment is coordinating with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to regulate water release from Oyan Dam.

The commissioner also advised residents in low-lying areas to stop using wells and boreholes during this period, warning that floodwater could contaminate underground water sources.

Fish farmers in locations such as Eriwe, Yemule (Ijebu-Ode), Ilase, and Ayegbami in Yewa were urged to harvest their fish immediately to avoid losses due to flooding.

“Farmers need to act fast and not wait until their investments are destroyed by rising water,” he cautioned. “Residents are also advised to avoid drinking water from potentially contaminated sources as water quality will worsen due to tidal activities.”

Dr. Oresanya appreciated the cooperation of residents on environmental matters, stating that their efforts in the past six years had helped reduce flood disasters.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.