The Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Prince Biyi Poroye, has raised concerns over the worsening impact of coastal erosion and sea incursion on riverine communities in Ondo State, warning that some settlements may be completely wiped out if urgent measures are not taken.
Poroye issued the warning on Thursday during the 2026 United Nations World Environment Day celebration held in Aiyetoro, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
Describing the situation in the coastal belt as both a humanitarian and environmental crisis, the OSOPADEC chairman called for a coordinated response from governments, development partners, international agencies, oil firms and other stakeholders to address the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.
According to him, Aiyetoro and several neighbouring communities have borne the brunt of environmental degradation, with ocean encroachment destroying homes, schools, health facilities and other critical infrastructure.
He said the occasion was not merely a celebration of World Environment Day but an opportunity to draw attention to the growing threat facing communities in Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas.
“The warning signs are evident. Communities in the riverine areas are confronted with sea incursion, submergence and the real possibility of extinction if urgent action is not taken,” he said.
Poroye disclosed that more than 80 per cent of Aiyetoro’s original landmass had been lost to the Atlantic Ocean, forcing thousands of residents from their homes and altering the landscape of the once-thriving community.
He noted that over 80 per cent of the town’s 45 original streets had been submerged, while notable landmarks, including a historic church and a technical college, had disappeared beneath the sea.
The OSOPADEC boss added that other coastal settlements, including Awoye, Gbagira and Mese, were currently facing environmental challenges he described as even more severe than those experienced in Aiyetoro.
He lamented that the continuous ocean surge had accelerated coastal erosion, damaged wetlands, contaminated freshwater sources through saltwater intrusion and threatened biodiversity within the affected areas.
According to him, the environmental crisis has also taken a heavy toll on residents’ livelihoods, weakening economic activities and increasing displacement among families.
“Aiyetoro was once a flourishing community. Today, businesses have suffered, sources of income have been disrupted and many residents live with uncertainty over the future of their homes and heritage,” he said.
Poroye stressed that climate change had evolved into a global challenge requiring collective efforts from governments, development institutions, private organisations and local communities.
He therefore appealed to the Federal Government, the United Nations, the World Bank, donor agencies and private-sector stakeholders to support efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable coastal communities in Ondo State.
The OSOPADEC chairman also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to the welfare of oil-producing communities and environmental sustainability, while acknowledging the support of the Ondo State Ministry of Environment in promoting environmental conservation initiatives.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 World Environment Day celebration, “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future,” Poroye encouraged residents to embrace environmentally friendly practices, including tree planting, shoreline sanitation campaigns and sustainable resource management.
He reaffirmed OSOPADEC’s commitment to supporting interventions designed to protect vulnerable settlements and restore Aiyetoro as a resilient and sustainable coastal community.
“The future of Aiyetoro depends on the actions we take today. We must work together to protect our communities, preserve our heritage and secure a better future for generations to come,” he said.
The event was attended by government officials, environmental experts, traditional rulers, community leaders, development partners and residents from various riverine communities across the state.
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