In a statement on Monday, Ola Oresanya, commissioner for
environment, said the advisory was part of the government’s early warning
system aimed at reducing the impact of seasonal flooding across the state.

Oresanya added that the rising water level would result from
the controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam, triggered by heavy rainfall
in the northern part of the country.

“Communities likely to be affected include Akute, Alagbole,
Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, and parts of Abeokuta such as
Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo,” the
statement reads.

“The expected overflow would result from the controlled
release of water from the Oyan Dam, compounded by heavy rainfall from the
northern region increasing inflow into the reservoir.

“The rising volume of water reaching the dam will make it
necessary to release some of it in a controlled manner.

“Residents in these areas should take precautions to
safeguard their lives and property.”

“Residents near the riverbanks to steer clear of the
watercourse, while those in wetlands should relocate to higher grounds or
elevate their buildings temporarily, as the overflow is expected to be
inevitable during the period.”

The commissioner said the state government, in partnership
with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), had been
dredging channels and opening tributaries to reduce pressure on the river and
minimise flooding.

He enjoined residents of the areas listed not to panic,
assuring them that the tide would go down in about 10 days, as the mitigating
measures by the state government cannot stop the activities of nature.

Oresanya also advised fish farmers in the affected areas to
harvest their produce early to avoid potential losses.