Ogun Govt Urges Immediate Relocation for Residents in Flood-Prone Areas

The Ogun State Government has issued an urgent advisory for residents in flooded areas to relocate immediately. This directive, reiterated on October 23, 2024, by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, comes in response to severe flooding caused by the release of excess water from the Oyan Dam.

The affected communities include Isheri, Riverview Estate, Oshorun Estate, OPIC Estate, Arepo, Mawere, Akute, Alagbole, Orimerunmu, and Magboro, among others.

Oresanya emphasized that the release of water was necessary to prevent potential damage and unpalatable consequences due to the lowland nature of these areas and increased tidal fluctuations.

He assured residents that floodwaters are expected to recede massively starting Friday, October 25, through waterways and canals previously dredged by Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration.

Despite the government's advisory, some community leaders have expressed dissatisfaction, urging the government to find permanent solutions to the flooding issues rather than advising relocation.

Gbenga Osobu, chairman of the Isheri Estates Community, highlighted the challenges residents face in relocating, citing economic hardships and the need for a sustainable solution.

Similarly, Abayomi Akinde, chairman of Riverview Estate, called on the government to fulfill its responsibility to end the flood crisis, noting the financial burden of relocation on residents.