Amosun Responds to Dangote’s Claims of Cement Factory Demolitions: ‘Show Construction Approvals’

Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has dismissed as “deliberate mischief” the claims made by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, that his cement plant in Ogun State was demolished twice during Amosun’s administration.

In a statement titled “Re-Government Demolished My Cement Factory Twice,” signed by Lanre Akinwale on behalf of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun Media Office, the former governor challenged Dangote to present the necessary construction approvals for the alleged demolished structures.

Amosun emphasized that his administration held the principle that no individual, including Dangote, was above the law. He further clarified that Dangote could not operate under different laws than the ones set for everyone in the state.

“We will wait to hear from him, but we want to make it clear that not all Nigerians can be compromised, bullied, or blackmailed. The idea that everyone has a price is only applicable to those with weak principles and questionable values,” the statement read.

Amosun also referenced Dangote’s praise of his administration during the commissioning of the Ibese Cement Factory, where the industrial magnate had lauded the efforts to promote investments in Ogun State, claiming that the Amosun administration facilitated the start of the factory after years of delays by previous governments.

The statement continued, “We’ve recently seen footage where Alhaji Dangote claimed that his cement factory in Itori, Ogun State, was demolished twice during Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s time in office. However, we assume that the average person understands how government functions, with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies overseeing specific responsibilities, including approvals for construction.”

The former governor urged Dangote to make public the required approvals for the construction of the structures in question. He suggested that this would help clarify the situation and provide context for Dangote’s complaint.

The statement also pointed out that, under Amosun’s leadership, Ogun State became a hub for industrial growth, attracting over 500 companies and earning recognition from the World Bank for its reforms that facilitated ease of doing business. Amosun’s administration was credited with boosting Ogun State to become Nigeria’s “Industrial Capital,” accounting for 75% of the country’s Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in the industrial sector.

“We are on record for attracting global companies, and our state was recognized for fostering industrial growth,” the statement noted. “Former President Goodluck Jonathan also acknowledged this progress during his multiple visits to Ogun State to inaugurate major multinational projects.”

Amosun concluded by stating that the claims made by Dangote seemed to be part of a deliberate attempt to cause mischief. He called on Dangote to provide the necessary documentation on land acquisition and planning approvals to allow for a meaningful dialogue on the matter.

While dismissing the accusations, Amosun made it clear that those with strong values would continue to uphold high standards, regardless of the circumstances or the pressures they faced.