The Dangote Group has dismissed as false and malicious a publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from Tony Elumelu, describing the report as entirely baseless.
In a statement issued by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company said neither Dangote nor the Group made the claims attributed to them, stressing that the publication misrepresented both personal and corporate positions.
“The Dangote Group has become aware of a publication titled ‘Aliko Dangote Speaks Out on Why He Distanced Himself from Tony Elumelu,’ which is false, malicious, and baseless. At no time did the President or the Group make such statements or express such sentiments,” the statement read.
The Group categorically rejected claims that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals was financed through personal borrowing from friends, describing those assertions as wholly inaccurate and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.
“As a matter of principle, Aliko Dangote neither finances his projects through personal borrowing from friends nor engages in lending arrangements of that nature. Any individual making such claims should provide verifiable evidence to substantiate them,” the statement added.
Equally false, the Group said, are suggestions of any estrangement between Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu, with whom he maintains a longstanding and cordial relationship.
The Group also noted with concern a rising pattern of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Aliko Dangote’s name, likeness, and image in AI-generated advertisements and other misleading content, describing these actions as reputational harm and potential fraud.
The Group warned that all individuals, organisations, and platforms involved in the creation, publication, or dissemination of such false content should desist immediately, adding that it will take appropriate steps, including legal action where necessary, to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.
