Flood-Hit Lagos And Ogun Communities Call For Permanent Government Intervention
The recent flooding along the Lagos-Ogun border communities has left many residents in crisis, with homes and properties submerged under the relentless force of surging floodwaters. This annual catastrophe, aggravated by the release of water from the Oyan Dam, has forced residents from communities such as Isheri, Arepo, Lafenwa, Warewa, and various parts of Lagos—including Mile 12, Ikosi-Ketu, and Ajegunle—to abandon their lives as they know them and struggle to salvage what they can from the floods.
The devastation is not new to these communities, which are situated along flood-prone plains of the Ogun River. Each year, despite the residents’ efforts to protect their properties, they are met with the daunting task of rebuilding. This perennial flooding is largely attributed to water releases from the Oyan Dam, operated by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA). While these releases are part of regular maintenance intended to manage water levels, the impact on residents downstream has been severe and enduring.
Earlier this year, the Federal Government commenced dredging the Ogun River downstream from Ikorodu to Isheri. This effort was aimed at mitigating flood risks, but the outcomes have yet to shield residents from the flooding that took over their communities in October. On October 17, in response to rising water levels, the Lagos and Ogun State governments announced collaborative efforts to address humanitarian concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and disabled. However, within days, water levels surged to unprecedented heights, displacing numerous families and forcing them to seek shelter or risk staying in the hazardous environment.
Local authorities, including the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, urged residents to relocate, promising temporary shelters. However, this proposal has been met with resistance. Residents, represented by community leaders such as Abayomi Akinde of Isheri Riverview Estate, have criticized this response as impractical, citing economic challenges and a lack of alternatives. The frustration is compounded by a perceived betrayal, as many argue that the state government sold them this land with assurances of safety, only to leave them vulnerable to recurrent floods.
There are calls for a comprehensive and sustainable flood management solution. Community leaders have advocated for extensive dredging of the Ogun River, raising of drainage systems, and building of robust embankments. They emphasize the need for a dyke system and multiple pumping stations to effectively manage water flow, even when the dam releases additional water. According to Lekan Akinyemi, the chairman of Isheri North, residents have collectively spent over N800 million on flood prevention measures. Yet, without durable infrastructure, these makeshift solutions crumble under the pressure of annual flooding.
For many, the flooding is not just an environmental disaster but a deepening social and economic crisis. Structural engineer Pa Omigbodun, a resident of Isheri North, noted that this disaster has been ongoing for over a decade, creating a cyclical burden that leaves residents exhausted and financially strained. The current crisis calls for an urgent reassessment of flood management strategies by both state and federal governments, who must act decisively to prevent future calamities and honor the trust of these communities. Without a holistic approach, the cycle of destruction and displacement is bound to continue, leaving residents to grapple with the reality of lost homes, livelihoods, and the hope for a safer future.
