without compromising the Dam integrity. This implies that approximately 548mcm had
flown into the dam from upstream in the first twenty days of the month of October.
Presently because we have lowered the Gates 1,2 3 and 4 to 9%, 8%, 8%, 9% respectively
based on the directive from Managing Director/CEO, in response to appeal made by people
downstream most especially people living in the flood plains of the Ogun River basin and
riparian catchments.
Presently, the Oyan Dam itself has gained the height of 33cm within the 48 hours and we
only have 29cm height left to reach the Design Height as at 12noon of Monday 21st of
October when this report is being written.
In keeping with the Social Responsibility and Responsiveness profile of the Authority,
Management had in recent past conducted investigation into the recurring flooding issue. A
further survey of the Basin and the affected areas initiated by the Ogun State Government
with our participation had shown authoritatively that the present flooding of the plain of
Ogun River is as a result of a number of factors.
These include:
(i) The potential aftermath of impact of Global climate change which has
resulted into exceptionally high and prolonged rainfall experienced
nationwide this year, as earlier predicted by NIMET. The subsequent effect is
a rise in the Atlantic Ocean level forcing Lagos Lagoon Water level to rise and
spread into the flood prone area of Ogun River;

(ii) A vast area of land (about 120 sq km) lying between Ikorodu/Kosofe/Ilate is a
flood plain which is directly under the influence of back flow from the Lagos
Lagoon. This area is shared by both Lagos and Ogun States.

(iii) Heavy Run-off and flows of water from tributaries of River Ogun and the
Ogun River itself which could have flown into the Lagos Lagoon if not for the
back flow of water from the Lagoon itself, as explained above.

(iv) There are many tributaries that flow into Ogun River. Therefore, water from
Oyan River, into which the water released from Oyan Dam flows, from is only
a small fraction of the Aggregate Rain Water flowing into the Ogun River
from these tributaries which include: River Ewekoro, Opeji River, Eredu River,
Iwofin River, River Ore at Oba, River Afojupa, River Orogbo, Sokori River,
Owiwi River and Abijire River, among others.

(v) Unfortunately, the flood plains identified above have continuously been
taken over by Property Developers who built Residential Estates
indiscriminately and recklessly in the areas either out of ignorance or sheer
underestimation of the devastating effects of Flooding, thereby causing
obstruction to the natural free flow pathways of water.

(vi) Infact, some of Projects coverage areas being used for wetlands agricultural
development have been encroached upon by the menace of land grabbers at
Owiwi, Oyan dam, Itoikin, Igan Alade, and Middle Ogun Projects

From the above clarifications, it is pertinent to note that the Dam and Reservoir Operations
of the Oyan Dam Project is being carried out by the Ogun Oshun River Basin Development
Authority, in line with scientific and technical standards of International best practices,
keeping in mind the urgent need for the safety of lives and property both upstream and
downstream without compromising the integrity and structural stability of the Dam.

Thank you.
Olufemi Olayemi Odumosu,
Managing Director/CEO,
Ogun-Oshun RBDA,
Abeokuta
21st October, 2019

Okay