In a recent development that has captured national attention, Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has accused former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, of demolishing his cement factory in Itori, Ogun State, on two separate occasions during Amosun's administration. Dangote made these allegations during a meeting with the current Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on March 17, 2025, where discussions centered on expanding investment opportunities in manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy sectors within the state.
In a video that surfaced on social media, Dangote recounted the challenges faced during the construction of the cement plant:
> "I deem it fit to have it on record that the factory we are visiting now in Itori, it's because of His Excellency that we came back. That factory was demolished twice. We started building, then Amosun demolished it. The second time, we started again, he demolished not only the factory, including the fencing, so we left."
Dangote credited Governor Abiodun's pro-business policies and leadership for restoring investor confidence, paving the way for Dangote Cement's return to Ogun State.
In response, Senator Ibikunle Amosun issued a statement challenging Dangote to provide the public with the requisite approvals for the construction of the structures allegedly demolished. Amosun emphasized that during his administration, no individual or entity was above the law, and all developments were required to adhere to established regulations.
The statement from Amosun's media office, signed by Lanre Akinwale, read:
> "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. It is on this basis that we want to appeal to Alhaji Dangote to avail the public of the requisite approvals for the construction of the structures he alleged were demolished."
Amosun further highlighted that his administration attracted over 500 businesses to Ogun State and was recognized by the World Bank as one of the top three states in Nigeria for ease of doing business. He noted that during his tenure, Ogun State became the "Industrial Capital" of Nigeria, accounting for about 75 percent of the Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) related to industry in the country.
The former governor also recalled that during the commissioning of Dangote's Ibese Cement factory, Dangote praised the Amosun administration for its promotion of investments in Ogun State and for facilitating the commencement of the cement factory after eight years of frustration by previous administrations.
This exchange between Dangote and Amosun underscores the complexities that can arise between private enterprises and governmental authorities, highlighting the importance of adherence to legal protocols and the role of government policies in fostering a conducive environment for business investments.
As the situation develops, stakeholders and observers alike will be keen to see how these revelations impact future business-government relations in Ogun State and beyond.
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