ABEOKUTA, Nigeria – The media office of former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has dismissed Aliko Dangote’s allegations that his administration twice demolished a cement factory project in Itori, describing the claims as “deliberate mischief.”
In a statement signed by Lanre Akinwale, Amosun’s team challenged Dangote to provide evidence of the necessary approvals for the factory’s construction.
The statement, issued in response to Dangote’s recent remarks, emphasised that no individual or company is above the law and suggested that the billionaire businessman may have breached planning regulations.
“We assume that an average person understands how government functions through ministries, departments, and agencies, with each exercising mandates on specific responsibilities, including approvals for physical development,” the statement read.
“It is on this basis that we want to appeal to Alhaji Dangote to avail the public of the requisite approvals for the construction of the structures he alleged were demolished.”
Amosun’s media team highlighted the former governor’s achievements in attracting investments to Ogun State, which earned it the title of Nigeria’s “industrial capital” during his tenure.
“It is also on record that during Senator Amosun’s administration, Ogun State became the ‘Industrial Capital’ of Nigeria. Our state at the time accounted for about 75 per cent of the Foreign Direct Investments, in relation to industry in the country,” the statement added.
While refraining from escalating the dispute, Amosun’s camp insisted that Dangote provide evidence of his land acquisition and planning approvals to clarify the matter.
“Not all Nigerians can be compromised, bullied, or blackmailed,” Akinwale stated, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in the matter.
The exchange between Dangote and Amosun’s camp has drawn significant attention, with stakeholders calling for clarity on the circumstances surrounding the alleged demolitions.
Dangote had earlier revealed that the cement factory project in Itori was demolished twice during Amosun’s administration, prompting him to abandon the project until the intervention of the current governor, Dapo Abiodun.
The $585 million cement plant, now nearing completion, is expected to boost local cement production and create jobs in Ogun State.
However, the controversy over its initial setbacks has reignited debates about the challenges of doing business in Nigeria and the role of government in fostering a conducive investment climate.
