Dangote Group Denies Rift Between Founder and Tony Elumelu, Threatens Legal Action Over Viral Claim

Dangote Group has dismissed claims of a disagreement between its founder, Aliko Dangote, and United Bank for Africa (UBA) chairman, Tony Elumelu, describing the reports as false and misleading.

The company’s response follows a viral post on X alleging that Dangote sought financial help from several business associates in 2021 when his refinery project faced funding challenges. The post claimed that Elumelu initially promised support but later cut off communication, while other businessmen reportedly contributed hundreds of millions of dollars.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said the claims were fabricated and do not reflect reality. He stated that neither Dangote nor the company made any such remarks and rejected the narrative entirely.

Dangote Group also denied suggestions that its refinery project was funded through personal borrowing from associates. According to the company, its financing structure did not involve informal loans from friends or business partners.

The statement further clarified that there is no breakdown in the relationship between Dangote and Elumelu, noting that both individuals maintain a longstanding and cordial association.

The company expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of misinformation involving Dangote’s identity, including fabricated quotes and unauthorized use of his image in digital content.

It warned individuals and platforms involved in spreading such claims to stop immediately, adding that legal action would be pursued where necessary.

Dangote Group said it remains focused on its operations and broader goals of supporting industrial growth and economic development across Africa.