Flood Alert: Ogun orders residents in vulnerable communities to relocate

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh flood warning ahead of the second phase of the 2026 rainy season, urging residents in vulnerable communities to remain vigilant and move to safer locations where necessary.

The warning followed the Seasonal Climate Prediction of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified Ogun among states expected to experience heavy rainfall during the year.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, the government said the first phase of the rainy season, from mid-March to July, recorded intense rainfall and isolated flash floods across parts of the state, although the overall impact was comparatively minimal.

Oresanya attributed the relatively low impact to preventive measures adopted by the state, including public awareness campaigns, regular maintenance of rivers and drainage channels, and improvements in waste management.

He said the government had paid particular attention to major waterways, including Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams.

According to Oresanya, NiMet’s forecast indicates that the second phase of the 2026 rainy season is expected to begin in September, with Ogun projected to record average rainfall of about 360mm during the month.

Although rainfall in inland parts of the state is expected to reduce from October into early November, the Commissioner warned that prolonged rainfall could still trigger river and coastal flooding in vulnerable locations.

He said the situation could be worsened by controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations that may slow the flow of the Ogun River.

The combination, he explained, could temporarily saturate wetlands and floodplains and increase flooding risks for communities located in vulnerable areas.

The government specifically advised residents of Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, as well as parts of Abeokuta, to remain alert and relocate to safer areas where necessary.

The warning also covers coastal communities in Ogun Waterside, including Makun-Omi, Iwopin, Oni, Ifaara and Igele, as well as Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East.

Residents of Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia, together with communities situated along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju Rivers, were also advised to take precautions.

Oresanya extended the warning to fish farmers operating around floodplains and river corridors, urging them to harvest their stocks promptly to minimise potential losses.

He specifically mentioned fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami, among other vulnerable locations.

The Commissioner called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies, local authorities, emergency response organisations and community leaders to intensify flood preparedness, monitor vulnerable locations and ensure drainage channels remain free from obstructions.

He also urged community leaders to strengthen public awareness efforts, stressing that early information and timely action could significantly reduce the impact of flooding.

Oresanya said the state would continue monitoring weather forecasts and hydrological conditions in collaboration with NiMet, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and other relevant stakeholders.

He assured residents that the government would sustain measures aimed at reducing the impact of flooding and urged residents to take the latest warning seriously and follow further updates from government and emergency agencies.