The Dangote Group has firmly denied reports suggesting a fallout between its President, Aliko Dangote, and Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, describing the claims as “false, malicious, and entirely baseless.”

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company said neither Dangote nor the organisation made any remarks implying a strained relationship between the two prominent business leaders.

The clarification follows the circulation of a viral online post alleging that Dangote distanced himself from Elumelu after a failed request for financial assistance during the construction of the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.

Reacting to the claims, the company stressed that the publication misrepresented both personal and corporate positions.

“At no time did the President or the Group make such statements or express such sentiments,” the statement noted.

The group also dismissed assertions that the refinery project was financed through personal borrowing from associates, insisting that such claims were inaccurate and unsupported by evidence.

“As a matter of principle, Aliko Dangote does not fund projects through informal personal loans from friends,” the statement added, challenging anyone making such allegations to provide verifiable proof.

According to the company, Dangote and Elumelu continue to maintain a longstanding and cordial relationship, contrary to the narrative presented in the viral report.

The disputed post had claimed that during a funding gap in 2021, Dangote approached several business figures, including Femi Otedola, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Mike Adenuga, and Elumelu, for financial support—claims the company has now labelled as fabricated.

Beyond addressing the report, the Dangote Group raised concerns over what it described as a growing trend of misinformation and digital impersonation involving Dangote’s identity. It warned against the unauthorised use of his name, image, and likeness in AI-generated advertisements and misleading online content, noting that such actions pose reputational risks and may constitute fraud.

The company further cautioned individuals and platforms spreading false information to desist, warning that it would pursue legal action where necessary.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and integrity, the Dangote Group said it remains focused on driving industrial growth and economic development across Africa.