By Kolawole Ojebisi
Former Governor of Ogun State, Ibukunle Amosun has dismissed the claims that he ordered the demolition of cement factory belonging to Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, in Itori, twice during his tenure.
Amosun responded to Dangote in a statement issued by head of his media office, Lanre Akinwale, on Monday night.
According to the statement, the ex-governor challenged the business mogul to provide evidence of requisite approvals for the structures allegedly demolished.
Amosun also asked whether Dangote had obtained the necessary government permits before commencing construction and emphasised that no individual or business entity could operate outside the law.
“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,” the statement reads.
“This will, at least, help the public to put the issue in proper context and for us to know what exactly his grouse is.”
The statement also highlighted that during Amosun’s tenure, Ogun state became the “Industrial Capital of Nigeria,” attracting over 500 companies and accounting for about 75 percent of foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the country’s industrial sector.
He further said Dangote had previously praised the Amosun administration for facilitating the establishment of his Ibese cement factory, after years of frustration under past governments.
“We will not give vent to this obvious mischief, as it is deliberate,” Akinwale said.
“However, we will advise Alhaji Dangote to furnish the public with details of the land acquisition and relevant planning approvals so that we can engage in a constructive conversation.”
The impression that Amosun administration was anti-business was also rejected as the statement cited World Bank recognition of Ogun as one of the top three states in Nigeria for ease of doing business.
Recall that Dangote had alleged that his cement factory in Itori, Ogun state, was demolished twice during the tenure of Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of the state, forcing his company to abandon the investment in the area.
Dangote spoke on Monday while on a courtesy visit to Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, at the government house in Abeokuta.
The billionaire announced the reconstruction of the factory and his renewed commitment to investing in Ogun State.
“Our factory at Itori was pulled down twice. When we started the second time, they did not only demolish the factory but also the fence, so we left,” Dangote said.
“But right now, because of His Excellency, our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, we are back. When you get to the factory, you will be surprised at what we have done.”
He attributed his return to Abiodun’s investor-friendly policies and support for the private sector, which he said had created a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
