Dangote, Elumelu Maintain Longstanding, Cordial Relationship—Dangote Group

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Dangote Group has dismissed reports alleging that Mr Aliko Dangote is at war with his fellow businessman, Mr Tony Elumelu.

It was alleged that Mr Dangote distanced himself from the former banker after failing to help with funds for the $20 billion oil refinery in Lagos.

In a statement on Sunday, the Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Mr Anthony Chiejina, said both business moguls maintained a longstanding and cordial relationship and are not at war with each other as being speculated.

The statement said the “baseless” publication “misrepresents both personal and corporate positions,” also rejecting assertions that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was financed through personal borrowing from friends, describing the claims as inaccurate and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.

“As a matter of principle, Aliko Dangote neither finances his projects through personal borrowing from friends nor engages in lending arrangements of that nature,” the statement said, adding that any such claims must be supported by verifiable evidence.

The company also raised concern over a growing pattern of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Dangote’s name, likeness and image in AI-generated advertisements and other misleading content, warning that such actions pose reputational risks and may constitute fraud.

It cautioned individuals and platforms involved in the creation and dissemination of false information to desist immediately, adding that it would pursue appropriate legal action where necessary to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.

Dangote Group reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of integrity while continuing to drive industrialisation, economic self-sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.