Dangote Group has pushed back firmly on a set of circulating claims that its president, Aliko Dangote, has fallen out with Tony Elumelu, chairman of United Bank for Africa. The company also denied allegations that funding for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals came from personal borrowing arranged through friends, warning that those spreading the stories could face legal consequences.
Key takeaways
- Dangote Group said reports of a rift between Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu are false.
- The group rejected claims that the refinery project relied on personal friend-to-friend borrowing.
- It warned people spreading the misinformation to stop or face legal action.
- Dangote Group highlighted a growing use of Dangote’s name and likeness in AI-generated ads and other misleading content.
- The company said it will take steps, including court action if needed, to protect its reputation.
Company denies multiple claims
In a statement issued on Saturday, Dangote Group spokesperson Anthony Chiejina dismissed the allegation about a supposed conflict between Dangote and Elumelu as “false, malicious, and baseless.” The denial followed the circulation of a publication with the claim that Dangote had “distanced himself” from the UBA chairman, which the company said did not occur.
The company also categorically denied the assertion that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals was financed through personal borrowing from friends. Dangote Group called the claim inaccurate and characterized it as a deliberate misrepresentation of facts, adding that Dangote does not finance his initiatives through personal loans from friends and does not participate in lending arrangements of that kind.
Dangote Group said anyone making such allegations should provide verifiable evidence to support their position. It further rejected any suggestion that there is estrangement between Dangote and Elumelu, emphasizing that they have maintained a long-standing, cordial relationship.
Warning over AI-generated misinformation and reputational harm
Beyond the refinancing and relationship claims, Dangote Group said it is concerned about an expanding pattern of fabricated content that uses Dangote’s name, image, and likeness in AI-generated advertisements and other misleading material. The company said these activities amount to reputational damage and could also constitute fraud.
Dangote Group said all individuals, organizations, and platforms involved in creating, publishing, or distributing such false content have been put on notice to cease immediately. The firm said it will take appropriate measures, including legal action if necessary, to safeguard the reputation of the group and its leadership.
In closing, Dangote Group reiterated its commitment to integrity while continuing efforts aimed at industrialization, economic self-reliance, and sustainable development across Africa.
