On August 13, 2024, the Ekiti Operations Office and Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) conducted an assessment of riverine communities in Ilaje Local Government, Ondo State, that were severely affected by ocean surges. The team met with local leaders, including the Chairperson of the Ilaje Transition Committee, Mrs. Toyin Ogungbure, and visited the palaces of the Ogeloyinbo of Aiyetoro and the Oloja of Abereke.
The assessment revealed that communities such as Aiyetoro, Abereke, and others in Mahin Kingdom have been suffering from recurring ocean surges for years, resulting in the loss of over 15 km of shoreline. The recent surge submerged 1,820 buildings, displaced 2,470 households, and affected 14,820 people. Schools have been destroyed, cutting off educational activities, and the community’s independent power system has been washed away, leaving them without electricity. Many displaced residents are sheltering with relatives or at the palaces, especially the elderly.
The local economy, largely dependent on fishing, farming, and artisanal work, has been devastated due to the damage to boats and canoes. Despite efforts by the community to mitigate the damage, including building concrete barriers, the situation has worsened, and the community now requires urgent assistance and a long-term solution to prevent further destruction and possible extinction of these coastal communities.
