Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has dismissed claims by Dangote Group Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, that his cement factory was demolished twice during Amosun’s administration.
In a statement issued by Lanre Akinwale on behalf of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun Media Office, the former governor described Dangote’s allegations as misleading and called on him to present the necessary approvals for the structures he claimed were demolished.
Amosun emphasized that his government upheld the rule of law and maintained that no individual or corporation, including Dangote, could operate outside legal regulations.
“While we await his response, it is important to note that not all Nigerians can be compromised, bullied, or blackmailed. The belief that everyone has a price only applies to individuals with weak foundations and questionable values,” the statement read.
The former governor also recalled that during the commissioning of the Ibese Cement Factory, Dangote had praised his administration for fostering investment in Ogun State.
At the time, the businessman had credited Amosun’s government for enabling the commencement of the cement plant after years of challenges under previous administrations.
Highlighting Ogun State’s economic progress under his leadership, Amosun stated that his government attracted over 500 companies and earned recognition from the World Bank as one of Nigeria’s top three states for ease of doing business.
He also noted that his administration transformed Ogun into Nigeria’s industrial hub, accounting for about 75% of the country’s foreign direct investments in the industrial sector.
The statement concluded by urging Dangote to provide evidence of land acquisition and planning approvals related to the disputed structures, encouraging a factual and constructive dialogue on the matter.