The release of excess water from the Oyan River Dam has led to flooding in communities along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria. Some residents, traders, and businesses in the affected areas, including estates like Isheri Riverview and other residential neighborhoods in Warewa to the OPIC area, have been impacted by the flooding.
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The Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority manages the Oyan River Dam, which is located in the Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the state. Excess water from the dam was released this month, resulting in the surge that caused the flooding.
The flooding has had a significant impact on the affected communities. Workers at a block industry around the OPIC area reported that the floodwater made it difficult for them to work and that many vehicles used for their work had been submerged.
Residents, like Tunde Adebanjo, noted that such water releases occur annually, causing suffering for the local population. Some residents have been forced to temporarily relocate to other areas to escape the flooding.
The flooding has also affected businesses along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, with the Mikano company’s premises being flooded. Governor Dapo Abiodun declared a state of emergency in the flooded area and assured residents of swift intervention. He mentioned that his administration was working with the Federal Government to address the situation as an emergency.
Governor Abiodun emphasized that his government would prioritize the necessary work to provide relief to the affected communities. He mentioned that the Minister of State for Environment, the Vice President, and the President were already aware of the situation, and it would be treated as an emergency.
The governor also discussed plans to construct an elevated road with adequate drainages in the Riverview Estate to mitigate the suffering of its residents. He expressed his commitment to improving the living conditions in the area.
The Chairman of Riverview Estate, Abayomi Akande, highlighted the suffering experienced by the residents due to the frequent release of water from the Oyan Dam. He called for a panel of inquiry into the dam’s operations to prevent further havoc in the state caused by such releases.
