Former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has dismissed allegations made by business magnate Aliko Dangote regarding the demolition of a cement factory in the state.
Amosun described Dangote’s remarks as misleading and emphasized that no individual or corporation is above the law.
The former governor issued a challenge to Dangote, urging him to present the full documentation of the land acquisition and the necessary approvals for the demolished structures to the public.
Dangote’s Allegation Against Amosun
Dangote’s claims surfaced in a widely circulated video following his recent visit to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. During the visit, the billionaire industrialist alleged that the Amosun administration had twice demolished structures related to his cement factory in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area, ultimately forcing him to halt the project.
He further commended Governor Abiodun for restoring investor confidence, stating that the current administration’s pro-business policies had encouraged Dangote Cement to resume operations in the state.
Amosun Responds: No One Is Above the Law
Reacting to Dangote’s allegations, Amosun, through a statement issued by his media office and signed by Lanre Akinwale, refuted the claims. He insisted that his administration operated strictly within the framework of the law, ensuring that all businesses adhered to proper procedures.
“We have come across a video in which Alhaji Aliko Dangote alleged that his cement factory in Itori was demolished twice while Senator Ibikunle Amosun served as governor.”
The statement emphasized that government functions are carried out through established ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), each responsible for specific approvals related to physical development.
“It is only fair that Alhaji Dangote provides the necessary documentation showing approvals for the structures he claims were demolished. This will help put the matter in perspective and allow the public to understand the basis of his complaint.”
“In Ogun State, there was only one government in operation at any given time. No individual or company, no matter how influential, was allowed to bypass regulations or operate under a separate set of rules.”
Amosun’s Track Record on Business Development
The former governor underscored his administration’s achievements in attracting investors and fostering economic growth in Ogun State. He revealed that his tenure drew over 500 businesses to the state, earning recognition from the World Bank as one of Nigeria’s top three states for ease of doing business.
“It is on record that at the commissioning of his Ibese Cement factory, Dangote himself publicly praised the Amosun administration for promoting investment opportunities in Ogun State. At that time, he credited the government for facilitating the launch of the plant after previous administrations allegedly frustrated the project for eight years.”
Amosun further highlighted that Ogun State, under his leadership, was regarded as Nigeria’s industrial hub, accounting for 75% of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in the country’s manufacturing sector.
“This recognition was further affirmed by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who personally visited Ogun State on five occasions to commission various multinational projects.”
A Call for Transparency
Amosun suggested that Dangote’s allegations might be a deliberate misrepresentation of facts and urged him to engage in a transparent and constructive dialogue by providing detailed records of the land acquisition and planning approvals.
“While we do not wish to engage in unnecessary controversy, we advise Alhaji Dangote to furnish the public with verifiable documents related to the land acquisition and planning permissions. That way, we can have a meaningful discussion based on facts.”
He concluded by asserting that not all Nigerians can be intimidated or coerced into submission, stressing that his administration upheld integrity and the rule of law regardless of external pressures.
“The idea that everyone has a price is a flawed assumption. Some of us remain committed to maintaining high standards and ethical governance, no matter whose interests are affected.”
