3 weeks ago
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Community affected by Oyan dam.
The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Dr Deji Ashiru, has underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the persistent flooding issues impacting residents of Isheri in the Ifo Local Government Area.
Dr Ashiru urged residents to stop blaming Oyan Dam for their plight, stating, “The reality is that without Oyan Dam, Isheri, situated on a flood plain, and parts of Abeokuta would have been submerged.”
He made these comments during an engagement with community residents on Tuesday.
Ashiru noted that the primary factor contributing to Isheri’s flooding is the presence of 52 ungated tributaries feeding into the downstream section of Ogun River, causing water levels to rise.
He explained that both Oyan and Ogun Rivers are transboundary, flowing from Port Novo in Benin Republic, and that the rise in water levels often results from rainfall in Port Novo rather than water releases from Oyan Dam.
Ashiru stated that the agency has been releasing around 17.4 million cubic metres of water each day for the past two months to manage the water surge into Oyan Dam and prevent its collapse.
He said, “The people of Isheri should consider Oyan Dam a blessing rather than criticising it. Without the dam managing the flow, Isheri and some Abeokuta communities would be at high risk.”
“Oyan Dam was built to control flooding and erosion. I have repeatedly explained that the 52 ungated tributaries downstream of Oyan Dam are the major cause of the flooding we’re experiencing in Isheri.”
“The gated Oyan Dam is the only safeguard for Isheri, controlling the water flow upstream. Both Oyan and Ogun Rivers are transboundary, entering Nigeria from Port Novo. Even without rainfall in Nigeria, heavy rain in Port Novo increases water levels. The dam controls this influx, unlike the 52 tributaries flowing freely downstream. Without Oyan Dam, Isheri might not exist as it does today, as the dam manages the upstream erosion and flooding.”
Ashiru suggested that additional smaller dams might be required to capture water from these tributaries to address the flooding problem effectively.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment, the MD noted that he had recently received another letter from the Senate seeking solutions. As a temporary measure, the Federal Government will begin dredging Ogun River next week to increase its capacity to accommodate higher water levels.
Ashiru mentioned that he has written to President Bola Tinubu and the Ecological Fund management, adding that with residents’ support, the flooding issues in the area will soon be resolved.
Rev Emmanuel Oluwayemi, a resident of the flooded area, remarked that legal action might be taken if the government fails to address the issue. He stated that he had purchased his property from the government and had spent up to N8 million last year renovating his home after the flood receded.
Rev Oluwayemi warned that if the government does not address residents’ concerns by next year, it should expect a legal response from them for failing to provide a conducive environment for those who purchased properties from the government.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Association, Engr Olanrewaju Falade, advocated for more constructive engagement to find a lasting solution to flooding in the community. Falade also encouraged regular communication and data exchange regarding water releases from Oyan Dam.
