Dangote Group dismisses claims of rift with Tony Elumelu

The Dangote Group has denied viral reports alleging a rift between its president, Aliko Dangote, and fellow business leader Tony Elumelu, describing the claims as false and misleading.

The company’s reaction followed widespread circulation of a post on X suggesting that Businessman Dangote sought financial assistance from associates to complete the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

In a statement issued by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the firm cautioned against the spread of misinformation and AI-generated content linked to its operations and leadership.

Claims dismissed

The viral post had alleged that Mr Elumelu initially pledged $20 million toward the refinery project but later cut off communication, while other prominent figures, including Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Femi Otedola, reportedly made financial contributions.

However, the Dangote Group rejected the claims outright.

“The Group categorically rejects claims that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was financed through personal borrowing from friends,” the statement said.

Clarification on funding

The company emphasised that Dangote does not fund projects through personal loans from associates, challenging anyone making such assertions to provide verifiable evidence.

“As a matter of principle, Aliko Dangote neither finances his projects through personal borrowing from friends nor engages in lending arrangements of that nature,” it stated.

Relationship with Elumelu

Addressing reports of a fallout, the company also dismissed any suggestion of strained relations between Mr Dangote and Mr Elumelu.

“Equally false are suggestions of any estrangement… with whom he maintains a longstanding and cordial relationship,” the statement added.

The Dangote Group warned that the circulation of unverified claims is intended to mislead the public and urged content creators and digital platforms to verify information before publication.