Lagos, Ogun Issue Flood Warnings as Oyan Dam Set for Water Release

The Lagos and Ogun state governments have issued urgent flood warnings to residents in flood-prone areas as the Oyan Dam prepares to release excess water. Residents living near riverbanks have been advised to temporarily relocate or brace for potential flooding.

This planned release, an annual measure by the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), is intended to manage dam levels during the rainy season. Last year, communities such as Isheri Riverview Estate and Warewa in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area experienced severe flooding due to water surges from a similar dam release.

Both states have cautioned those living in low-lying areas to take precautions, warning that the release could cause rivers to overflow, potentially leading to devastating floods. Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized the collaboration between the two states to mitigate flood risks. He urged residents of vulnerable areas, such as Ajilete and Owode-Onirin, to evacuate.

“We have done the advocacy, and we are asking residents in low-lying areas to leave. The consequences could be severe if they don’t relocate,” Wahab stated.

Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, noted that the water volume release would increase to create more space in the dam’s reservoir.

However, the OORBDA management has assured residents that the situation is under control. Saliu Adeniyi, Head of Public Relations at OORBDA, ruled out the possibility of a dam failure, stressing that routine maintenance is being carried out.

“There is no cause for alarm. We are continuously monitoring the dam, and the water release will not be significant enough to cause downstream flooding,” Adeniyi said.