Dangote Denies Elumelu Rift and Private Refinery Funding Claims
By Patience Ikpeme
The Dangote Group has formally addressed a series of online reports, labeling claims that its President, Aliko Dangote, has distanced himself from businessman Tony Elumelu as entirely false and malicious.
In a detailed statement aimed at setting the record straight, the conglomerate clarified that no such rift exists and that the two leaders continue to share a positive professional and personal connection.
The Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, noted that a recent publication titled “Aliko Dangote Speaks Out on Why He Distanced Himself from Tony Elumelu” is baseless. He pointed out that neither the President of the Group nor the organization itself has ever expressed the sentiments contained in the report.
“At no time did the President or the Group make such statements or express such sentiments,” the statement read. “Equally false are suggestions of any estrangement between Aliko Dangote and Mr. Tony Elumelu, with whom he maintains a longstanding and cordial relationship.”
In addition to addressing the rumored feud, the Group denied assertions regarding the financing of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals. The company rejected claims that the project was funded through personal loans from friends, describing such narratives as a deliberate distortion of the facts.
The company stated: “The Group categorically rejects claims that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals was financed through personal borrowing from friends. 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 Group challenged anyone making these assertions to provide verifiable evidence to support them.
Beyond these specific rumors, the management expressed growing concern over the rise of deepfakes and the unauthorized use of Aliko Dangote’s identity. The company observed a pattern of fabricated statements and AI-generated advertisements using the President’s likeness to mislead the public, which they say constitutes both reputational harm and potential fraud.
The statement warned individuals and media platforms involved in spreading such misinformation to stop immediately. The Group indicated it is prepared to take legal steps to safeguard its brand and the integrity of its leadership.
“The Group will take appropriate steps, including legal action where necessary, to protect its reputation and that of its leadership,” Chiejina added. He concluded by saying that the organization stays focused on its core mission of driving industrialization and economic self-sufficiency across the African continent.
