Dangote slams false claims on refinery financing, ‘rift’ with Elumelu
Dangote Group Rejects False Claims About Aliko Dangote
The Dangote Group has dismissed as false and malicious a recent publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, has distanced himself from businessman Tony Elumelu. The company characterized the report as entirely baseless.
In a statement released by Anthony Chiejina, the Group’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Group clarified that neither Dangote nor the organization made the statements attributed to them in the publication. The company emphasized that the article misrepresented both personal and corporate positions.
“The Dangote Group has become aware of a publication titled ‘Aliko Dangote Speaks Out on Why He Distanced Himself from Tony Elumelu,’ which is false, malicious, and baseless. At no time did the President or the Group make such statements or express such sentiments,” the statement read.
The company also categorically rejected claims that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals was financed through personal loans from friends. These assertions, the Group stated, are wholly inaccurate and represent a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.
“Aliko Dangote neither finances his projects through personal borrowing from friends nor engages in lending arrangements of that nature. Any individual making such claims should provide verifiable evidence to substantiate them,” the statement noted.
Additionally, the Group denied any suggestions of estrangement between Aliko Dangote and Mr. Tony Elumelu, stating that they maintain a longstanding and cordial relationship.
The statement expressed concern over a growing pattern of fabricated statements and the unauthorized use of Aliko Dangote’s name, likeness, and image in AI-generated advertisements and misleading content. These actions, according to the Group, could inflict reputational harm and potentially constitute fraud.
“All individuals, organizations, and platforms involved in the creation, publication, or dissemination of such false content are hereby put on notice to desist immediately,” the statement warned. “The Group will take appropriate steps, including legal action where necessary, to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.”
The Dangote Group reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity while continuing its efforts to drive industrialization, economic self-sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.
