Dangote Group has denied reports of a rift between its president Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu, warning content creators, organisations and digital platforms against spreading false information and AI-generated materials using its brand and leadership.
The company made this known in a statement issued by Anthony Chiejina, group chief branding and communications officer of Dangote Industries Limited.
The statement followed a post on X alleging that Dangote sought financial support from business associates to complete the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals project.
The post claimed that Dangote approached Elumelu, Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu and Femi Otedola for support. It also alleged that Elumelu promised $20 million but later stopped communication, while others reportedly raised $500 million.
Dangote Group dismissed the claims.
“The Group categorically rejects claims that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals was financed through personal borrowing from friends. These assertions are inaccurate and misrepresent the facts,” the statement said.
It added that Dangote does not fund projects through personal borrowing from friends and challenged anyone making such claims to provide evidence.
The company also denied any fallout between Dangote and Elumelu.
“Equally false are suggestions of any estrangement between Aliko Dangote and Mr Tony Elumelu, with whom he maintains a longstanding relationship,” the statement added.
Dangote Group said it was concerned about the increasing use of AI and digital tools to create false content using Dangote’s name, image and likeness.
It warned that such actions could damage reputations and expose the public to fraud.
“All individuals, organisations and platforms involved in the creation, publication or dissemination of such false content are hereby put on notice to desist immediately. The Group will take appropriate steps, including legal action where necessary, to protect its reputation and that of its leadership,” the company said.
