Dr. Deji Ashiru, the CEO and Managing Director of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, has expressed the Federal Government’s dedication to addressing the longstanding flooding issues affecting the residents of Isheri in Ifo Local Government Area. During a recent engagement with the community, Ashiru emphasized that the local population should not hold Oyan Dam responsible for their flooding woes. He clarified that without the dam’s intervention, Isheri and parts of Abeokuta, which are situated on a flood plain, would be at a significantly higher risk of submersion. His remarks aimed to shift the narrative around flooding in the area and to bolster understanding of the dam’s protective role.
Ashiru attributed the flooding primarily to the presence of 52 ungated tributaries that feed into the downstream section of the Ogun River, contributing to rising water levels. He explained the hydrological dynamics, noting that both the Oyan and Ogun Rivers are transboundary, originating from Port Novo in Benin Republic. Importantly, he clarified that increased water levels are often the result of rainfall in Port Novo, rather than water being released from Oyan Dam. Over the last two months, the agency has been actively managing water levels by releasing approximately 17.4 million cubic meters of water daily from Oyan Dam, a crucial measure to prevent potential collapse of the dam and to mitigate flooding.
Reiterating the significance of Oyan Dam, Ashiru urged the residents to view it as an asset rather than a liability. He explained that the dam plays a vital role in controlling flooding and erosion throughout the region. Without the dam’s management of upstream water flow, Isheri and adjacent communities would face increased flooding risks. He stressed that the ungated tributaries downstream are the primary culprits behind the persistent flooding issues. Ashiru suggested that to fully address the flooding, additional smaller dams may be necessary to capture and manage the water from these tributaries effectively.
The Federal Government remains committed to finding resolutions to these flooding challenges, as emphasized by Ashiru. He revealed that he received a recent inquiry from the Senate seeking solutions, which demonstrates the governmental awareness and action towards the problem. In a forthcoming measure, the government will begin dredging the Ogun River to enhance its capacity for accommodating higher water levels. Ashiru also noted that he has communicated with President Bola Tinubu and the Ecological Fund management regarding the situation, indicating a coordinated effort to address the flooding concerns effectively.
Community members, however, voiced their concerns over the government’s response time. Rev. Emmanuel Oluwayemi, a local resident, articulated frustration and indicated that legal action might become necessary if effective measures are not implemented soon. He highlighted the financial investment he made in his property and renovations, indicating a strong sense of entitlement to a safe living environment. Oluwayemi’s warning reflects a growing discontent among the residents, suggesting a potential breach of trust between them and the government concerning property safety and environmental assurances.
Engr. Olanrewaju Falade, Chairman of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Association, advocated for a more productive approach to engaging with the community on flooding issues. He emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue and regular communication regarding water management, particularly concerning Oyan Dam’s water releases. This call for collaborative efforts echoes the sentiment of many residents who seek transparency and action from the authorities to secure their lives and properties from the threats posed by flooding. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders remain hopeful for swift government intervention and lasting solutions to the flooding crises plaguing Isheri and its surroundings.
