The two Cement giants, Dangote Group and BUA Group have resumed their feud over which of the industries retains ownership of the coveted Obu-okpella mines in Edo state. This was initiated after BUA groups claimed that the Federal High Court, Benin made an order which upholds BUA’s fundamental rights to peaceful possession of the mining sites in Obu, Okpella, Edo State (operated by BUA Cement and which became seized due to mining leases granted by the Federal Government of Nigeria), without unlawful interference from the Inspector General of Police, first respondent; Commissioner of Police, Edo State, second respondent; Dangote Industries, third respondent; and Dangote Cement Plc, fourth respondent. To add to this claim, BUA explained that it has resumed operations at the Obu-Okpella mines.

Reacting to this, Dangote Group, in its statement, denied the claim of ownership of the mining sites by BUA Group. Furthermore, Dangote described the claims as unfounded and mischievous with the statements the BUA issued being riddled with misrepresentations and deliberate distortions of facts. To this effect, Dangote also advised the regulatory agencies to disregard the BUA’s claim and publications.

To set the records straight, Dangote Group in a statement signed by the Group Executive Director, Devakumar Edwin, explained that the Dangote Group had through its lawyers vigorously defended the suit filed by the BUA Group seeking a perpetual Injunctive Order against further interferences with their purported fundamental rights to property and privacy. He said the Group has appealed the High Court judgment, stressing that until the Appellate Court rules, BUA cannot lay claim or even operate on the mining site.

Dangote Group warned the general public and those working with BUA Group not to take any steps to enter, mine or interfere with the disputed mining leases, pending the determination of the Appeal and/or the 2 suits pending before Umar J. as any such steps will be considered a contempt of court.