The Ogun State Government has advised residents of communities along the Ogun, Ilo, Iju, Owa and Yemule rivers to relocate to safer areas due to the risk of flooding. Affected communities include Isheri, Warewa, Akute, parts of Abeokuta, Ayetoro, Itele, Iju, and coastal towns such as Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara (Ogun Waterside), Ebute-Imobi (Ijebu East), Tungeji Island, and Agosasa in Ipokia Local Government Area.

The government said the flooding threat stems from expected heavy rainfall, tidal lock, sea-level rise, and inflows from the northern part of the country as well as neighbouring Benin Republic into downstream Ogun and Lagos states.

Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, in a mid-term flood alert, noted that the situation could be worsened by water released from the Oyan Dam. He explained that the overflow, which typically lasts about two weeks, represents the second phase of annual flooding occurring between September and November.

According to him, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has projected September rainfall at 204mm, followed by 190mm in October, with November’s intensity dropping to 93mm.

Oresanya assured residents that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is on red alert for possible evacuations, with temporary camps already prepared across the state. He added that the Ministry of Environment is working with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to regulate water release from the dam.

He urged residents to refrain from using borehole and well water during this period due to contamination risks from flooding and tidal variations.

Fish farmers across the state were advised to harvest their stock promptly to prevent losses. Specifically, those operating at Eriwe, Yemule (both in Ijebu Ode), Ilase, and Ayegbami in Yewa were urged to take immediate action.