Following the concerns raised by residents on the release of Oyan Dam in Abeokuta, Ogun state, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ogun–Oshun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORBDA), Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, has released a statement saying that there is no need to worry or cause for alarm.
Ashiru said though the Oyan Dam played a crucial role in flood control through mitigating the damaging effects of uncontrolled water flows, the authority had taken pre-emptive measures in releasing the waters strategically since March 2024, in a controlled manner, with evidence showing no harm to life or property downstream.
“This has increased the dam’s capacity to accommodate excess floodwater, preparing for potential surges into the Oyan Dam, given the prediction of large volumes of runoff in the coming months,” he said.
Speaking further, Ashiru said it was important to note that over 52 ungated river tributaries fed into the Ogun River downstream of Oyan Dam.
He said: “These tributaries are beyond our control and contribute to the flooding being experienced in areas like Isheri.
“To alleviate concerns, our management ensures the dam’s integrity and regulates water releases.
‘’Oyan River Dam plays a vital role in supplying raw water to Lagos and Abeokuta, and we are committed to balancing its operations with the needs of surrounding communities.”
He added that to prevent flooding, the Federal Government had initiated the dredging of Ogun River, from Ikorodu in Lagos State to Isheri in Ogun State “and this project aims to widen and deepen the river, increasing its capacity to manage excess water,
“We appreciate the government’s proactive measures to safeguard lives and property in this regard,” Ashiru concluded.
The Lagos and Ogun state governments had over the weekend issued warnings to residents living in flood-prone areas, particularly along riverbanks, to temporarily relocate or brace for potential flooding ahead of the planned release of water from the Oyan dam. However, with Ashiru’s alleviation of their concerns, the residents might live in lesser worry.
