Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has dismissed as false and misleading the claims by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, that his cement factory was demolished twice during Amosun’s tenure.
In a statement signed by Lanre Akinwale on behalf of the Ibikunle Amosun Media Office, the former governor described Dangote’s allegation as deliberate mischief.
He challenged the business magnate to present evidence of the necessary approvals for the structures he claimed were demolished, stating that no individual or corporation is above the law.
“Our administration firmly believed that there could not be two governments in a state. Dangote, like any other investor, was expected to operate within the legal framework,” the statement read.
Amosun also recalled that during the commissioning of the Ibese Cement factory, Dangote had publicly praised his administration for fostering a business-friendly environment that enabled the successful launch of the cement plant after years of setbacks under previous governments.
Highlighting his government’s achievements, Amosun noted that Ogun State attracted over 500 companies under his leadership and was ranked among the top three states in Nigeria for ease of doing business by the World Bank.
The state was also recognized as the “Industrial Capital of Nigeria,” accounting for about 75% of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the industrial sector at the time.
Dismissing Dangote’s claims as an attempt to distort facts, Amosun urged him to provide documents proving land acquisition and planning approvals to facilitate a transparent discussion.
“Not all Nigerians can be compromised, bullied, or blackmailed,” Amosun asserted. “The idea that everyone has a price is only true for those with weak principles and questionable morals. Some of us will continue to uphold integrity, no matter the circumstances.”
Amosun reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fairness in governance, regardless of external pressures.
