Aliko Dangote’s return to Ogun State marks not just a business expansion but the rekindling of an old controversy. One that pits Nigeria’s richest man against a former governor over an abandoned cement factory.
On Monday, Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, stood before Governor Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta and recounted a bitter episode that forced his company to halt investments in Ogun State years ago. According to him, his cement factory in Itori was demolished twice during the administration of Ibikunle Amosun, the state’s former governor.
“When we started the second time, they did not only demolish the factory but also the fence, so we left,” Dangote told the governor. “But right now, because of His Excellency, our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, we are back. When you get to the factory, you will be surprised at what we have done.”
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Dangote’s claims did not go unanswered. Shortly after his comments, the media office of former Governor Amosun issued a pointed rebuttal, dismissing the allegations and challenging Dangote to produce evidence.
“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,” read a statement signed by Amosun’s media aide, Lanre Akinwale.
The statement questioned whether Dangote had obtained the necessary government permits before embarking on the factory project.
“We will not give vent to this obvious mischief,” Akinwale said. “However, we will advise Alhaji Dangote to furnish the public with details of the land acquisition and relevant planning approvals so that we can engage in a constructive conversation.”
Akinwale also noted that Dangote had previously praised Amosun for facilitating the establishment of the Ibese cement factory, which became one of Nigeria’s largest cement plants.
This latest clash highlights the intersection of business and politics in Nigeria. While Dangote’s frustration reveals the challenges investors sometimes face from government policies, Amosun’s defense reflects the common political pushback that arises when past administrations are criticized.
