Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has responded to allegations by the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, that his cement factory in Itori was demolished twice during Amosun’s tenure.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Lanre Akinwale, Amosun refuted the claim and called on Dangote to provide evidence of requisite approvals for the structures that were allegedly demolished.
“We assume that an average person understands how government functions through Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, with each exercising mandates on specific responsibilities, including approvals for physical development,” the statement read.
Amosun emphasized that his administration operated within the rule of law and that no company, including Dangote Group, was above state regulations.
“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,” he said.
The former governor also recalled how Dangote had once commended his administration for fostering a business-friendly environment in Ogun State.
“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 by other administrations,” the statement noted.
Amosun highlighted his government’s achievements in attracting investments, stating that Ogun was recognized by the World Bank as one of the top three states ensuring Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria.
“Ogun State was acknowledged as one of the top reforming states in 2014, improving in key indicators such as Construction Permits and Property Registration,” he added.
According to Amosun, during his tenure, Ogun became the “Industrial Capital” of Nigeria, accounting for about 75% of the country’s Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in industry.
He further recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan visited the state five times to commission multinational projects, reinforcing its industrial status.
The statement dismissed Dangote’s allegation as “obvious mischief” and urged him to present documented proof of land acquisition and planning approvals for a meaningful conversation.
“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,” it stated.
While awaiting Dangote’s response, Amosun’s camp maintained that not all Nigerians could be coerced or manipulated.
“The notion that everyone has a price is an expression applicable only to people with weak foundations and questionable upbringing,” the statement concluded.
