Dangote Group Denies Rift with Tony Elumelu, Vows Legal Action Over Viral Social Media Post

Key facts

• Dangote Group issued a denial on Saturday, March 2025, via Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer.
• The denial responds to a post by X user Oghneminehhhhh alleging Dangote sought financial help from business associates in 2021.
• The post claimed Tony Elumelu promised $20 million but later blocked Dangote's contact.
• It also alleged that Femi Otedola contributed $300 million and that other associates raised $500 million total.
• Dangote Group stated that Aliko Dangote does not finance projects through personal borrowing from friends.
• The company described the post as 'false, malicious, and baseless' and is considering legal action.
• Dangote Group affirmed that Dangote and Elumelu maintain a longstanding cordial relationship.

Viral Post Triggers Corporate Rebuttal

Dangote Group has forcefully denied a viral social media post alleging a rift between its founder, Aliko Dangote, and Tony Elumelu, chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA). In a statement issued on Saturday, the conglomerate described the claims as fabricated and vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible. The rebuttal follows a post on X by a user identified as Oghneminehhhhh, which purported to quote Dangote recounting financial difficulties during the construction of his refinery in 2021. The post quickly gained traction, prompting the company's swift response.

Allegations of Financial Distress and Broken Promises

According to the viral post, Dangote claimed that in 2021, when the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was only half-completed, he ran out of funds and reached out to several business colleagues for assistance. The post named Femi Otedola, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Mike Adenuga as those approached. It further alleged that Elumelu promised to provide $20 million but later blocked Dangote's contact, severing communication. The post also claimed that other associates collectively raised $500 million for the project, with Otedola alone contributing $300 million.

Dangote Group's Categorical Denial

In a statement, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, categorically refuted the claims. The company described the post, titled 'Aliko Dangote Speaks Out on Why He Distanced Himself from Tony Elumelu,' as 'false, malicious, and baseless.' 'At no time did the president or the group make such statements or express such sentiments,' the company said. Dangote Group stressed that the founder does not borrow from friends to finance projects and does not engage in such lending arrangements.

Challenge for Verifiable Evidence

The company challenged anyone making claims about lending arrangements to provide verifiable evidence. 'The group categorically rejects claims that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals was financed through personal borrowing from friends. These assertions are wholly inaccurate and constitute a deliberate misrepresentation of facts,' the statement read. Dangote Group added that any individual making such claims should 'provide verifiable evidence to substantiate them.' The company also dismissed suggestions of any fallout between Dangote and Elumelu, affirming that both men share a longstanding and cordial relationship.

Legal Action and Warning Against Misinformation

The conglomerate announced it is considering legal action against those responsible for originating and spreading the content. It cautioned content creators, organisations, and digital platforms against disseminating misinformation and AI-generated content involving its brand and leadership. Dangote Group warned that the spread of unverified claims is intended to mislead the public and reiterated its commitment to accuracy and responsible communication.

Broader Context: Refinery Financing and Business Relationships

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a $19 billion project located in Lagos, is one of the largest in Africa and has been a focal point of the Nigerian economy. The allegations of personal borrowing to fund the refinery run counter to the company's established narrative of institutional financing. The denial also underscores the importance of relationships among Nigeria's business elite. Dangote and Elumelu are both prominent figures in African business, and any perceived rift would have significant implications for the corporate landscape.

Outlook: Legal Proceedings and Public Perception

As Dangote Group pursues legal avenues, the incident highlights the challenges of combating misinformation in the digital age. The company's swift and forceful response aims to protect its reputation and that of its founder. The outcome of any legal action will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how corporations in Nigeria address defamatory content on social media. For now, the company maintains that the relationship between Dangote and Elumelu remains cordial, and the allegations are baseless.

The bottom line

• Dangote Group denies any rift between Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu, calling the claims fabricated.
• The viral post alleged Dangote sought $20 million from Elumelu and $500 million from other associates for his refinery.
• The company states that Dangote does not finance projects through personal borrowing from friends.
• Dangote Group is considering legal action against the originators of the post.
• The company affirms that Dangote and Elumelu maintain a longstanding cordial relationship.
• The incident underscores the challenge of combating misinformation on social media platforms.