Flooding: Baale urges Lagosians to consider buying land during rainy season

The newly installed Baale of Olujobi Oko-Igbo Town, Akanni Sunday Awoniyi (Arole Ojuburuku), has urged Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents, to rethink where they live and invest following the recent devastating floods that have affected several parts of Lagos.

Speaking shortly after his installation  recently, according to a statement, the traditional ruler said the rainy season offers prospective property buyers the best opportunity to assess land before making investment decisions.

“If you want to buy land, buy it during the rainy season. That is when nature tells you the truth about the land,” he said.

His advice comes as heavy rainfall continues to expose the vulnerability of many communities across Lagos, with viral videos showing flooded streets, submerged homes, and residents swimming through floodwaters to rescue children and elderly family members.

According to the Baale, the recurring incidents should serve as a wakeup call for Nigerians to begin considering safer residential and investment destinations outside the overcrowded metropolis.

“Lagos remains Nigeria’s commercial capital, but people should also begin to look at neighbouring states with safer terrain and better opportunities for long term living,” he said.

Awoniyi pointed to Ogun State as one of the natural alternatives, citing its strategic proximity to Lagos through the Epe, Sango, Ikorodu and other major corridors, while highlighting its growing infrastructure and more flood resilient communities.

He further disclosed that Olujobi Oko-Igbo Town has over 32 acres of developable land available for residential, commercial, agricultural, and institutional investments.

According to him, the community offers investors a peaceful environment, safer living conditions, and significant opportunities for future development away from flood prone areas.

The monarch also encouraged intending homeowners and investors to prioritise environmental assessments before purchasing property and to acquire basic flood preparedness and emergency response skills where necessary.

“As leaders, our responsibility is not only to preserve culture but also to protect lives and encourage sustainable development. We want people to invest where their families can live safely and where their investments can appreciate over time,” he added.

Chief Awoniyi said his vision for Olujobi Oko-Igbo Town is to attract responsible investors, promote orderly community development, and position the area as one of Ogun State’s emerging residential and investment destinations.