Dare Babalola
The Dangote Group has dismissed a publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from businessman Tony Elumelu, describing it as false, malicious and baseless.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company said neither Dangote nor the organisation made any such remarks or expressed any sentiment suggesting a rift with Elumelu.
The Group also rejected claims that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals project was financed through personal borrowing from friends, insisting the allegation was “wholly inaccurate” and a misrepresentation of facts.
It maintained that Dangote does not fund projects through private borrowing arrangements of that nature.
It further described as false any suggestion of strained relations between Dangote and Elumelu, stressing that both men maintain a longstanding and cordial relationship.
The company expressed concern over what it called a growing trend of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Aliko Dangote’s name, image and likeness in AI-generated advertisements and misleading content, warning that such actions amount to reputational damage and potential fraud.
The Dangote Group cautioned individuals, organisations and online platforms involved in the circulation of such content to desist immediately, adding that it would not hesitate to take legal action where necessary to protect its reputation.
The statement reaffirmed the company’s commitment to integrity and its broader industrial and development goals across Africa.
