The Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State, Ola Oresanya, has urged residents of border communities such as Akute, Isheri, Mowe, Ibafo, Riverside Estate, and others located between Lagos and Ogun states to relocate in order to avoid potential disaster from upcoming floods. Oresanya made this announcement during a press conference held in the state capital of Abeokuta on Wednesday, citing previous incidents of fatal floods and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency's prediction of future flooding in 2023.

Oresanya stated that the regions he listed would experience coastal flooding as a result of the Ogun River being locked by the Lagos Lagoon, which is caused by a natural increase in sea level along with the potential discharge of excessive water from the Oyan dam. The commissioner also warned residents in the state to prepare for flash floods, as the area is projected to receive 3,646mm of precipitation between April and November. Additionally, he referred to the devastating flood incidents that occurred in the country in 2022, which resulted in the loss of over 600 lives and the displacement of roughly 2.4 million individuals.

Oresanya emphasized the importance of residents avoiding activities that may put them at risk of flood-related accidents. He cautioned against constructing buildings in areas where runoff occurs and advised against placing temporary structures, containers, or extending business premises on top of drains in markets and public spaces. In light of the expected natural pattern of rainfall in 2023, Oresanya advised residents in specific areas, including Onikoko, Sokori, and Arakanga in Abeokuta, Owa and Yemule riverbanks in Ijebu-Ode, Eruwuru in Sagamu, Ebute Kimobi in Ijebu East, Isaka Owode in Ado-Odo Ota, Owode, Igijo, Ilaro, and Ijoko, to anticipate flash floods caused by heavy rainfall within short periods.

Wetlands such as Alagbole, Akute, Isheri, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Mowe, Ibafo, Kara, Onihale, Ebute Kimobi, and Riverside Estate will experience an extended impact during the second season.

These regions will encounter coastal flooding as a result of the tidal lock of the Ogun River by Lagos Lagoon caused by a natural increase in sea-level, and a possible discharge of excessive water from the Oya dam. If necessary, inhabitants of these areas should be prepared to temporarily relocate during the second season of rainfall. Additionally, farmers in the state are encouraged to conclude their harvest by August and abstain from farming and livestock rearing along the floodplain to mitigate the negative effects of intense flooding during the second season of rainfall.

Recognizing the inter-boundary consequences of flooding, we would like to reassure state residents that we have established effective partnerships with the management of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) and neighboring states such as Lagos and Oyo. This collaboration is particularly crucial in terms of water release from the Oyan dam.