A former governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun has challenged founder of Dangote Group and the owner of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote to provide proof of approval of his alleged demolished cement factory.
NewsClick Nigeria reports that in a viral video posted on social media on Monday, Dangote, in the company of the incumbent governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun alleged that his cement factory in Itori was demolished twice under the administration of former Governor Amosun.
“I think it is good we have it on record that the (cement) factory we are visiting now in Itori, you know it was because of His Excellency (Dapo Abiodun) that we came back.
However, in a swift reaction to Dangote’s claims, media office of the former governor, dismissed the claims, insisting that the business mogul should provide evidence of requisite approvals for the structures allegedly demolished.
The office in a statement signed and released by Lanre Akinwale questioned whether Dangote had obtained the necessary government permits before commencing construction and emphasised that no individual or business entity could operate outside the law.
“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,” the statement reads.
“This will, at least, help the public to put the issue in proper context and for us to know what exactly his grouse is.”
Adewale also highlighted that during Amosun’s tenure, Ogun state became the “Industrial Capital of Nigeria,” attracting over 500 companies and accounting for about 75 percent of foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the country’s industrial sector.
He further said Dangote had previously praised the Amosun administration for facilitating the establishment of his Ibese cement factory, after years of frustration under past governments.
“We will not give vent to this obvious mischief, as it is deliberate,” 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 rejected any suggestion that the Amosun administration was anti-business, citing World Bank recognition of Ogun as one of the top three states in Nigeria for ease of doing business.
