Ogun State Government Issues Flood Alert as Ogun River Set to Overflow
Residents in low-lying and riverbank areas across Ogun State have been warned to brace for potential flooding as the Ogun River is expected to overflow between October 20 and November 3, 2025.
The warning was contained in a flood alert issued by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, in Abeokuta on Monday.
The advisory comes as part of the government’s ongoing flood prevention and awareness efforts across the state.
Oresanya explained that the expected overflow would result from the controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam following heavy rainfall in northern parts of the country.
“The overflow from the Ogun River would rise as a result of the controlled release of water from Oyan Dam due to heavy rainfall from up north,” he said.
He added that the situation could be compounded by rising tidal levels, increasing the volume of water flowing into the dam.
“This will increase the volume of water reaching the dam from that part of the country which will be compounded by increase in tidal level,” Oresanya noted.
The commissioner listed the communities likely to be affected, including Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, and Kajola. In Abeokuta, areas such as Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo were identified as vulnerable zones.
He urged residents in these areas to take precautionary measures, stressing that safety should be a top priority.
“Residents should exercise caution and avoid loss of lives and property within the period,” he advised.
According to Oresanya, the state government has continued dredging and opening up tributaries of the Ogun River to reduce the impact of potential overflow.
These efforts are being implemented in partnership with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority to ease water flow and minimize flood risks.
He also reassured the public that while the government is implementing all possible control measures, natural activities cannot be completely halted.
“Residents are enjoined not to panic, as the tide will go down in about 10 days,” he said.
Oresanya emphasized the need for residents to stay away from riverbanks and relocate temporarily to higher grounds or safer locations until water levels recede.
Furthermore, he called on fish farmers operating in the flood-prone zones to harvest their stock immediately to avoid “inevitable losses.”
He also reiterated that the government’s periodic flood alerts are designed to enhance preparednessamong residents and prevent disasters before they occur.
