Not less than ten communities in the Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State have appealed to the government to come to their aid as they continue to battle perennial flooding that has left their homes and livelihoods submerged.
The residents of the communities, which include Ijale-Ketu, Oke Ola, Oke Eyo, Asa, Ayetoro Oguba, Idigbo, Omilende, and several others, lamented that they have been cut off from the rest of the state due to the overflow of flood from a local river know as Odo Idi.
Speaking during the tour of the affected communities on Saturday, the Onijale of Ijale-Ketu, Oba Adeniyi Oyero, expressed concern that they have been cut off by the flood and all efforts to get the attention of the government have proved abortive.
According to him, the communities have been struggling with the flood for many years, despite efforts to get the attention of the government.
The monarch recalled that between 2003 and 2007, a former Senator representing Ogun West, Iyabo Anisulowo, constructed a bridge as part of her constituency project, but it has been unable to withstand the annual flooding.
Oyero explained that the road leading to the river was opened by the administration of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s Directorate for Foods, Roads and Rural Infrastructure Programme, but it has since been abandoned, leaving the communities to suffer.
The traditional ruler lamented that the flooding has not only displaced residents but also destroyed homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, leaving the communities in a state of despair.
He urged the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun, as well as federal and state representatives, to come to their aid and provide a lasting solution to the flooding.
He advised the government to construct a new bridge, repair the road, and implement other measures to prevent future flooding.
The monarch also said the residents are seeking assistance with relief materials, as many residents have lost their properties and means of livelihood.
He noted that the situation has become a humanitarian crisis, with many residents forced to flee their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.
He added, “The flood has brought our community to its knees. We urgently need the government’s assistance to restore our homes, our roads, and our livelihoods. We have been abandoned to suffer in this flood. Our people are struggling to survive, and we need help now more than ever.
“The flood has destroyed our infrastructure, our homes, and our businesses. We need the government to come to our aid and help us rebuild. We are not asking for favours, we are asking for the government to fulfil its responsibility to its citizens. We need help, and we need it now.
“The flood has displaced our people, destroyed our properties, and disrupted our lives. We need the government’s assistance to restore our community to its former glory.”
Corroborating the king, one of the residents, Ganiyu Atanda lamented that the community road remains impassable.
He added that the community is still without access to necessities like food, medicine, and clean water.
He noted,” The flood came suddenly, without warning. We were trapped in our home, with no way to escape. We had to wait for hours until the waters receded enough for us to get out.
“The king is right, the flood has destroyed our infrastructure, our homes, and our businesses. We need the government’s assistance to rebuild our community and our lives.
“We have been abandoned to suffer in this flood. We need help, and we need it now. We cannot afford to wait any longer.”
