WorldStage– Aliko Dangote, the founder of the Dangote Refinery has revealed that the multi-billion dollar project might not have been possible without the intervention and support of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Speaking in a video shared by via X on Friday, the billionaire industrialist revealed that construction workers were unable to proceed with the project in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, due to the presence of numerous shrines.
Dangote said, “I must recognise and thank the Ooni of Ife for enabling the building of our factory. What happened was that when we got there, there were over 19 shrines at the site. Nobody was able to go near there to do anything.”
Dangote specifically mentioned that the Ooni’s intervention was crucial in overcoming the local obstacles at the project site.
According to Dangote, there were over 19 shrines located on the land where the refinery was to be built. Local people were afraid to go near the area to begin work.
The Ooni, using his authority as a respected traditional ruler, reportedly went to the site, stood there, and instructed that all the shrines be removed, effectively challenging any potential spiritual repercussions and clearing the way for construction.
Dangote expressed his heartfelt gratitude for this “singular act,” saying that without it, they would not have been able to build the refinery.
The business mogul explained that the traditional ruler personally visited the site and boldly ordered the removal of all the shrines, despite the spiritual implications.
This intervention highlights the significant role traditional rulers can play in resolving local disputes and cultural barriers to large-scale business and infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
