Ogun Govt Warns Residents as Oyan Dam Release Raises Flood Fears
The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood alert to residents living along riverbanks and wetlands, warning of possible overflow of the Ogun River between October 20 and November 3, 2025, as the Oyan Dam prepares for a controlled release of excess water.
Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the expected overflow was a result of heavy rainfall from northern parts of the country, which had significantly increased the inflow of water into the Oyan Dam.
“The overflow from the Ogun River would rise as a result of the controlled release of water from Oyan Dam,” Oresanya explained. “The heavy rainfall up north has increased the inflow into the dam, and this will inevitably force the release of excess water to prevent damage to the dam structure.”
He described the controlled discharge as a safety measure necessary to maintain the integrity of the dam, stressing that water levels downstream would rise temporarily and could affect several communities along the river.
Oresanya identified Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, and parts of Abeokuta, particularly Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade and Ago Odo as Areas likely to experience flooding during the period.
The Commissioner urged residents to relocate to higher grounds, safeguard essential belongings, and avoid riverbanks to prevent casualties and property loss.
He also called on landlords and community heads to mobilize residents for early preparedness.
“We are taking proactive steps through the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (OGSEMA) and other partners to monitor the water levels closely.
Temporary shelters and evacuation routes have been identified, and response teams are on standby,” he assured.
In response to the alert, some residents in the affected coymmunities have expressed worry over the possible impact of the Dam release, appealing to the Government for immediate intervention and relief measures.
Mrs. Taiwo Adetunji, a trader at Isheri North, said her family had yet to recover from last year’s flood.
“When the dam was opened last year, we lost most of our furniture and electronics. The water came suddenly at night. We’re really scared this time because our house is still close to the river,” she lamented.
Another resident, Mr. Akeem Lawal of Magboro, said many residents were already making plans to move temporarily to higher grounds.
“We’ve started packing some of our things to my brother’s place in Ibafo. The government’s warning is timely, but we hope they’ll also provide help for those who don’t have anywhere else to go,” he said.
Community leader in Alagbole, Chief Sunday Alaran, commended the government for the early notice but urged for “visible emergency presence” in at-risk areas.
“It’s not enough to warn; people need to see action. We need boats, relief items, and quick-response teams because most residents here are low-income earners who can’t relocate easily,” he added.
Oresanya, however, assured that the state government remained committed to public safety, urging residents to stay calm, avoid spreading panic, and follow verified updates from official Government channels.
He advised commuters to be cautious on flood-prone roads and avoid crossing waterlogged routes, as rising water levels could make them unsafe.
“We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Our focus is to ensure no life or property is lost,” the commissioner emphasized.
