Amosun fires back at Dangote: ‘Provide proof of approvals for demolished Factories’
A fierce war of words has erupted between former Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, over allegations that the ex-governor twice demolished the billionaire’s cement factory structures in Itori, Ogun State.
Reacting to Dangote’s claims during his visit to the current governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Amosun has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging Dangote to provide public evidence of government approvals for the structures he claims were destroyed.
In a fiery statement released by his Media Office and signed by Lanre Akinwale, Amosun minced no words: “We have just seen a footage in which the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, alleged that his cement factory in Itori, Ogun State, was demolished twice while Senator Ibikunle Amosun served as governor.”
Dismissing the allegations as misleading, Amosun pointed out that every serious government operates through Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), with clear responsibilities, particularly regarding physical development approvals.
“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. This will, at least, help the public to put the issue in proper context and for us to know what exactly his grouse is.”
Taking a firm stand, Amosun made it clear that no individual, no matter how wealthy or powerful, is above the law.
“For us, as a government, we believed that there could not be two governments in a state, and Dangote, therefore, could not operate above the law or under a different set of laws.”
He further recalled that during the commissioning of Dangote’s Ibese Cement factory, the billionaire lavished praise on the Amosun administration for creating an enabling environment for investment—contradicting his recent claims.
“At the commissioning of his Ibese Cement factory, Dangote praised the Amosun administration to high heavens for its promotion of investments in Ogun State and for facilitating the commencement of the cement factory after eight years of frustration under previous administrations.”
Amosun reminded the public that his administration did not focus on any single investor but was instrumental in attracting over 500 companies to Ogun State.
“Dangote is just one of the many going concerns in Ogun State, and the Amosun Administration is on record to have attracted over 500 companies to the state. The World Bank even ranked Ogun among the top three states ensuring Ease-of-Doing-Business in Nigeria.”
He noted that during his tenure, Ogun became Nigeria’s ‘Industrial Capital’, accounting for 75% of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in the industrial sector—a claim he urged anyone to fact-check.
In a scathing rebuke, Amosun warned against attempts to manipulate public perception, urging Dangote to present documents proving ownership and planning approvals for the demolished structures.
“While we will not give vent to this obvious mischief as it is deliberate, we will advise Alhaji Dangote to furnish the public with details of the land acquisition with relevant planning approvals, and let us engage in a constructive conversation therefrom.”
Rounding off with a defiant statement, Amosun took a swipe at those who believe money can buy anything: “Not all Nigerians can be compromised, bullied or blackmailed. The notion that everyone has a price is an expression applicable only to people with weak foundations and questionable upbringing.”
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