Reps candidate seeks govt attention for victims over devastating flood in Ondo

The African Action Congress (AAC) House of Representatives candidate for the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency for 2027 election, Oyekan Abiodun, has called on the Ondo State Government to urgently provide relief and implement lasting solutions for victims of the devastating flooding ravaging Igbokoda, Okitipupa and other coastal communities in the Ondo South Senatorial District.

Abiodun, in a statement issued on Monday and made available to Nigerian Tribune, described the worsening flood situation as a humanitarian emergency that demands immediate intervention from both the state and relevant federal agencies.

He lamented that the disaster had left many residents homeless after floodwaters submerged homes, destroyed properties and displaced families, forcing them to seek refuge in safer but often overcrowded locations.

According to him, the impact of the flooding has gone beyond the seasonal challenges associated with heavy rainfall, stressing that many victims have lost their homes, personal belongings and sources of livelihood.

“The situation is no longer just a rainy-season inconvenience. It is a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent and long-term solutions,” he said.

The AAC chieftain urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to move beyond temporary measures by providing practical interventions to cushion the hardship being faced by affected residents.

While acknowledging the efforts of some local government chairmen in responding to the disaster, Abiodun argued that local councils lack the financial capacity and resources to tackle the recurring flooding permanently.

He maintained that only coordinated state and federal interventions backed by a sustainable flood management strategy could address the perennial challenge confronting the coastal communities.

Abiodun also revisited the party’s position during the last Ondo State governorship election, noting that the AAC had proposed a comprehensive coastal protection initiative inspired by the Amsterdam Plan to tackle flooding in vulnerable communities.

According to him, the proposal was designed as a long-term response to the recurring flooding challenges, particularly in Ayetoro and other coastal settlements, but was overlooked in favour of what he described as routine drainage and dredging approaches.

The lawmaker hopeful warned that prolonged flooding has exposed children, elderly persons and other vulnerable residents to serious health risks, including waterborne diseases, hunger, poor sanitation and displacement.

He therefore called on the government to urgently establish emergency shelters for displaced families, provide food, clean drinking water, medical care and sanitation facilities, while strengthening rescue and evacuation operations in the affected communities.

Abiodun further demanded a comprehensive assessment and documentation of damaged homes and properties to facilitate relief and possible compensation for victims.

He also urged authorities to prioritise vulnerable households and develop a comprehensive flood-control and coastal protection strategy based on the Amsterdam Plan model to prevent future occurrences.

Describing the flooding across Ondo South as “embarrassing and avoidable,” the AAC House of Representatives candidate said the people of Ilaje and Ikale deserve immediate government attention and a sustainable solution to the recurring environmental disaster.

“The people do not deserve the sorry state they are in. Government must act swiftly and decisively to protect lives, restore livelihoods and prevent a recurrence of this crisis,” he stated.