The Dangote Group has labeled a report claiming its President, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu as “false and malicious,” further characterizing the publication as “entirely baseless.”
In a formal statement, Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, clarified that neither the Group nor Dangote himself issued the claims, asserting that the report “misrepresents both personal and corporate positions.”
The statement also addressed rumors regarding the financing of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, dismissing claims that it was funded via personal loans from friends as “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,” Chiejina noted, stressing that any such assertions “must be supported by verifiable evidence.”
The Group emphasized that there is no conflict between the two business moguls, stating that they “maintain a longstanding and cordial relationship.”
Furthermore, the organization raised alarms regarding the “unauthorised use of Dangote’s name, likeness and image in AI generated advertisements and other misleading content,” warning that these fabricated statements “pose reputational risks and may constitute fraud.”
Issuing a stern warning, the Group told those spreading misinformation to “desist immediately,” adding that it “would pursue appropriate legal action where necessary to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.”
The Dangote Group concluded by reaffirming its dedication to “the highest standards of integrity” as it continues to focus on “industrialisation, economic self-sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.”
