Dangote, Amosun Clash Over Alleged Demolition of Cement Factory in Ogun

ABEOKUTA — President, Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been on a collision course with the former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, over a controversy regarding the twice demolition of the Dangote-owned cement factory in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. Dangote accused his factory of being double-demolished by the Amosun government, whose officials demolished the fence of his factory during the second demolition.

During a visit to his newly established cement factory at Itori, Dangote praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for his drive in persuading him to return to Ogun State and resume work on the factory, which is nearing completion and is due to begin operation next year. Dangote said the project had suffered serious setbacks due to the demolitions, recalling that the first demolition occurred during Amosun's administration, and the second one destroyed not just the factory but also its fence.

Dangote expressed appreciation to Abiodun for his intervention, saying, "It is all thanks to His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, that we came back. The factory was burnt twice during the previous administration, but today we are here, and the plant will soon be in operation."

The two 6,000-ton-per-day clinker production lines cement plant is likely to deepen the position of Ogun State as an industrial hub. Dangote highlighted his company's achievement in cement manufacturing, noting that Dangote Cement is now the largest cement manufacturer in Africa with a cumulative capacity of 52 million tons per annum on the continent. He also made reference to the company's achievement in Nigeria's independence in cement manufacturing, as well as in the fertilizer and petroleum sectors.

Dangote further said, "We have made Nigeria cement self-sufficient, and our work in fertilizer production has made Nigeria a net exporter. We want to achieve the same in the petroleum value chain, and the refinery in Ibeju-Lekki will cater to all local demand for refined petroleum products."

He also commended the Ogun State government for creating an investor-friendly atmosphere, pointing to the blessings of Itori and Ibese people and traditional leaders where Dangote has other cement plants.

But Amosun, in response through his media advisor Lanre Akinwale, denied Dangote's claims. Amosun responded that Dangote did not have the necessary permits to construct the buildings he blamed the government for demolishing. Amosun challenged Dangote to come forward with public details of land acquisition and attendant planning approvals.

Amosun also reminded Dangote of his earlier praise of the Amosun administration at the Ibese Cement Factory commissioning and that his administration had attracted more than 500 companies to Ogun State and had been praised by the World Bank for ease of doing business. Amosun emphasized that his administration had never acted outside the law and needed Dangote to act the same way.

"The notion that everyone has a price is an idiom reserved for people who have loose anchors," Amosun asserted in the administration's justification for failing to bring in investments. "We are not swayed by mischief, and we invite Alhaji Dangote to come with the details that will enable useful discussion."

This exchange of arguments highlights a widening political divide over land use and industrial expansion in Ogun State, with both sides of the argument positioning themselves in the heated debate surrounding the building of the cement plant and the state's investment climate.