The Dangote Group has officially cleared the air regarding widespread rumors of a disagreement between its president, Aliko Dangote, and the Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu. In a press release made available on Saturday, the company’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, dismissed the reports as entirely fabricated and malicious, noting that neither Aliko Dangote nor any representative of the conglomerate has ever made the comments being attributed to them.
Beyond the alleged rift, the Group took the opportunity to address claims regarding the financing of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals. It denied the narrative that the massive project was funded through personal loans from friends, describing such a suggestion as a complete distortion of reality. The statement clarified that the project was executed through recognized corporate financial structures and challenged anyone spreading contrary information to bring forward verifiable proof.
The relationship between the two business titans remains healthy. The company emphasized that there is no estrangement whatsoever, describing the bond between Dangote and Elumelu as both professional and cordial. This clarification aims to put an end to weeks of speculation that had dominated various social media platforms.
The conglomerate also raised an alarm over a troubling trend involving the unauthorized use of Aliko Dangote’s identity. The Group noted an increase in fabricated statements and AI-generated advertisements designed to mislead the public. Management warned that these deceptive practices are not only fraudulent but are clearly intended to damage the reputation of Africa’s most prominent industrialist.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the Dangote Group warned those behind the smear campaigns to stop immediately. The statement made it clear that the company will not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or platforms continuing to circulate false information. For now, the focus remains on its core mission of driving industrialization and economic growth across the African continent.
