- Safiu Kehinde
Former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has slammed Nigerian businessman, Aliko Dangote, over the alleged demolition of his factory.
NPO reported that Dangote had, during a meeting with current governor, Dapo Abiodun, alleged that his cement factory at Itori area of the state was demolished twice under the Amosun-led administration.
The Nigerian businessman cited this as reason for his company’s initial exit from Ogun state.
Reacting in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Lanre Akinwale, Amosun labelled the allegation as misleading while stressing that every serious government operates through Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), with clear responsibilities, particularly regarding physical development approvals.
He challenged Dangote to proofs of the requisite approvals for the construction of the structures he alleged were demolished.
“We have just seen a footage in which the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, alleged that his cement factory in Itori, Ogun State, was demolished twice while Senator Ibikunle Amosun served as governor.
“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.
“This will, at least, help the public to put the issue in proper context and for us to know what exactly his grouse is.” he stated.
Amosun held that no individual, no matter how wealthy or powerful, is above the law.
“For us, as a government, we believed that there could not be two governments in a state, and Dangote, therefore, could not operate above the law or under a different set of laws.” the ex-governor said.
He further recalled how Dangote, in contrast to his claim, had heaped praise on the Amosun administration for creating an enabling environment for investment during the commissioning of Dangote’s Ibese Cement factory.
“At the commissioning of his Ibese Cement factory, Dangote praised the Amosun administration to high heavens for its promotion of investments in Ogun State and for facilitating the commencement of the cement factory after eight years of frustration under previous administrations.” he said
Amosun, according to report, reminded the public that his administration did not focus on any single investor but was instrumental in attracting over 500 companies to Ogun State.
“Dangote is just one of the many going concerns in Ogun State, and the Amosun Administration is on record to have attracted over 500 companies to the state. The World Bank even ranked Ogun among the top three states ensuring Ease-of-Doing-Business in Nigeria.” the Ogun ex-governor stated.
According to him, Ogun became Nigeria’s ‘Industrial Capital’, accounting for 75% of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in the industrial sector during his tenure—a claim he urged anyone to fact-check.
Amosun, however, warned Dangote against attempts to manipulate public perception, urging the billionaire to present documents proving ownership and planning approvals for the demolished structures.
“While we will not give vent to this obvious mischief as it is deliberate, we will advise Alhaji Dangote to furnish the public with details of the land acquisition with relevant planning approvals, and let us engage in a constructive conversation therefrom.
“Not all Nigerians can be compromised, bullied or blackmailed. The notion that everyone has a price is an expression applicable only to people with weak foundations and questionable upbringing.” he added.