Dangote Group has described as false and malicious a publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from Tony Elumelu, because of a rift between the two.
The Group described the publication, titled “Aliko Dangote Speaks Out on Why He Distanced Himself from Tony Elumelu,” as false, malicious, and baseless.
The Group, in a statement issued on Monday by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, described the report as entirely baseless.
It stated that neither Dangote, nor the Group made the claims attributed to them, stressing that the publication misrepresented both personal and corporate positions.
“At no time did the President or the Group make such statements or express such sentiments,” it was asserted in the statement.
The Group also rejected assertions that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was financed through personal borrowing from friends, describing the claims as inaccurate and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.
It categorically rejected claims that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals was financed through personal borrowing from friends.
“These assertions are wholly inaccurate and constitute a deliberate misrepresentation of facts. Any individual making such claims should provide verifiable evidence to substantiate them.
“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 was stated in the statement.
Asserting that any such claims must be supported by verifiable evidence,
Dangote Group further clarified that there is no rift between Dangote and Elumelu, noting that both business leaders maintain a longstanding and cordial relationship.
“Equally false are suggestions of any estrangement between Aliko Dangote and Mr Tony Elumelu, with whom he maintains a longstanding and cordial relationship,” Dangote Group stated in the statement.
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
It warned that such actions pose reputational risks and may constitute fraud and cautioned individuals and platforms involved in the creation and dissemination of false information to desist immediately.
The Group declared that it would pursue appropriate legal action, where necessary, to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.
“These actions amount to reputational harm and potential fraud. All individuals, organisations, and platforms involved in the creation, publication, or dissemination of such false content are hereby put on notice to desist immediately.
“The Group will take appropriate steps, including legal action where necessary, to protect its reputation and that of its leadership,” it was added.
Dangote Group reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of integrity, while continuing to drive industrialisation, economic self-sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.
