Former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has responded to allegations made by Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, regarding the demolition of his Itori cement factory during Amosun’s tenure.
In a statement issued on Monday by Lanre Akinwale, Amosun’s media aide, the former governor called on Dangote to provide evidence of the necessary government approvals obtained for the construction of the demolished factories.
This response follows Dangote’s claim that his $800 million cement plant in Itori was demolished twice under Amosun’s administration, causing significant delays in its completion and commissioning.
Demolition Due to Lack of Approval
The statement clarified that the demolitions were conducted by the relevant government ministry because Dangote Group failed to secure the required approvals for the construction.
“We recently came across footage in which the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, alleged that his cement factory in Itori, Ogun State, was demolished twice during Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s tenure as governor.
“It is widely understood that government functions through Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), each with its designated responsibilities, including the issuance of approvals for physical developments,” the statement read.
The former governor’s aide urged Dangote to publicly present the necessary government approvals for the construction of the affected structures.
“This will help provide the public with a clearer understanding of the situation and allow us to grasp the true nature of his grievances,” Akinwale added.
No Individual is Above the Law
The statement emphasized that all businesses must operate within legal frameworks, and Dangote was expected to adhere to the same regulations as other enterprises in Ogun State.
“There cannot be two sets of laws governing Ogun State. Dangote is not above the law and must follow the same regulatory processes as everyone else,” it stated.
Akinwale also recalled that Dangote had previously commended the Amosun administration for its efforts in promoting investments in Ogun State and facilitating the commencement of the Itori cement factory, which had been delayed for eight years by previous governments.
He highlighted that Amosun’s administration attracted over 500 companies to Ogun State and was recognized by the World Bank as one of the top three states for Ease-of-Doing-Business in Nigeria.
