Dangote Group denies Elumelu feud claims, calls refinery financing rumors false
Dangote Group has dismissed as "false, malicious, and baseless" viral social media claims that President Aliko Dangote fell out with Tony Elumelu after a failed request for financial assistance during the Dangote Refinery construction. In a statement shared with Premium Times, Group Chief Branding Officer Anthony Chiejina said Dangote never made such statements and neither he nor the Group ever expressed estrangement with Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings. The Group also rejected claims the refinery was financed through personal borrowing from friends.
Billionaire Femi Otedola separately clarified he did not fund the refinery, stating reports of his investment are "completely and utterly false" while noting he has requested allocation in the refinery's upcoming public offer. Both businessmen emphasized their longstanding cordial relationships and denounced the rumors as deliberate mischief aimed at sowing discord in Nigeria's private sector leadership.
The Dangote Group warned it would take necessary steps, including legal action where required, to protect its reputation and leadership, putting creators and spreaders of such false content on notice to desist immediately. With refinery operations underway, why do you think such false narratives about Nigeria's top business leaders gain traction on social media, and how should verified information be distinguished from viral speculation?