The Dangote Group has dismissed as false a publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from Tony Elumelu, describing the report as baseless and malicious.
In a statement issued by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company said neither Dangote nor the Group made the claims attributed to them, noting that the publication misrepresented both personal and corporate positions.
The Group also refuted assertions that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was financed through personal borrowing from friends, describing the claim as inaccurate and misleading.
“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 statement said, adding that anyone making such allegations should provide verifiable evidence.
It further clarified that there is no rift between Dangote and Elumelu, stressing that both business leaders maintain a longstanding and cordial relationship.
The company raised concerns over what it described as a growing trend of fabricated statements and the unauthorized use of Dangote’s name, image and likeness in AI-generated advertisements and other misleading content, warning that such actions could amount to fraud and pose reputational risks.
Dangote Group cautioned individuals and platforms involved in the dissemination of false information to desist, adding that it would pursue legal action where necessary to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.
The Group reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity while continuing to promote industrialization, economic self-sufficiency and sustainable development across Africa.
