The Dangote Group has strongly dismissed reports alleging a fallout between its founder, Aliko Dangote, and business mogul, Tony Elumelu, describing the claims as false, malicious, and misleading.
The clarification followed a viral post on social media platform X, which made several allegations about the financing of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and suggested strained relations between both business leaders.
The post had claimed that Dangote experienced financial difficulties during the refinery’s construction and allegedly sought funding support from several Nigerian billionaires, including Femi Otedola, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Mike Adenuga, and Tony Elumelu.
It further alleged that Elumelu had initially promised $20 million in support but later withdrew communication, while other individuals were said to have contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the project.
However, the Dangote Group, through its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, dismissed the claims as entirely false.
The company stated that at no point did Aliko Dangote or the group issue such statements or suggest any form of financial distress or external borrowing for the refinery project.
It also rejected the suggestion of any disagreement between Dangote and Elumelu, stressing that both men maintain a cordial and long-standing professional relationship.
“At no time did the president or the group make such statements or express such sentiments,” the company said.
The conglomerate further clarified that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals project was not financed through personal borrowing from friends or business associates, as claimed in the viral post.
“The group categorically rejects claims that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals was financed through personal borrowing from friends,” it stated.
Describing the allegations as a deliberate distortion of facts, the company warned against the spread of misinformation and fabricated narratives, particularly those involving artificial intelligence-generated content and manipulated images.
According to the statement, such false publications constitute reputational damage and may amount to fraud.
The Dangote Group also cautioned individuals, media platforms, and online actors responsible for circulating the claims to desist immediately or risk legal consequences.
“All individuals, organisations, and platforms involved in the creation, publication, or dissemination of such false content are hereby put on notice to desist immediately,” it warned.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency while urging the public to disregard unverified reports circulating on social media regarding its operations and leadership relations.
