How Dangote Disobeyed His Great Grand Father’s Dying Wish

Alhassan Dantata was the patriarch of the famous Dantata family of Kano State. He is also the great grand father of Aliko Dangote – Africa’s richest man. In 1955, Alhassan Dantata fell ill. Due to the seriousness of his illness, he summoned his chief financial controller, Garba Maisikeli and his children. He told them that his final day was approaching and advised them to live together.

Death Wish

Dantata implored his family to continue to marry within the family as much as possible and that they should take care of their relatives, especially the poor among them. Dantata was particularly concerned about the company he had established (Alhassan Dantata & Sons). He asked them not to allow the company to collapse.

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Dantata understood the precarious nature of business rivalries in the close-knit Kano community. So, at his death bed, he specifically warned his family to avoid clashes with other wealthy Kano merchants. Three days later, he died in his sleep on Wednesday 17 August 1955. He was buried in his house in the Sarari ward.

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When Dantata passed away three days later, he left behind not just a vast and thriving business but also left a legacy of solidarity and support among his kin. Fast forward to several decades, his great grand son Aliko Dangote went against his great grand father’s dying wish. Fast forward to the 21st century, and we find Aliko Dangote – the great grand son Alhassan Dantata. Dangote is at the helm of the Dangote Group, Africa’s biggest business conglomerate. The success of the conglomerate amassed him a great fortune and made him the richest African. However, his journey to stupendous wealth has not been without friction. Notable is his rivalry with Abdul Samad Rabiu – another wealthy businessman of Kano extraction, and the current second wealthiest Nigerian. The conflict between Dangote and Rabiu is at variance to the dying wish of Alhassan Dantata, Dangote’s great grand father,

The Feud: Dangote vs. Rabiu

Aliko Dangote found himself embroiled in a fierce dispute with another prominent Kano businessman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the chairman of BUA Group. Their fierce contest began over various business interests, particularly in the cement industry—a sector that has become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy. The tension between Dangote and Rabiu escalated as both companies vied for market dominance. Accusations of unfair business practices, aggressive competition, and a series of legal battles fueled the flames of this feud.

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What began as a competitive landscape soon transformed into a bitter vendetta, with both parties seemingly ignoring the principles instilled by Dantata. This conflict starkly contrasts with Dangote’s great grand father’s (Alhassan Dantata) dying wish, that his offspring should not engage in conflict with other Kano merchants. This raises questions about legacy, loyalty, and the complexities of business rivalries.

Mediation Efforts

Recognizing the detrimental impact of their rivalry, various stakeholders sought to mediate the conflict. Prominent figures within the business community, including influential politicians and elder statesmen from Kano, attempted to broker peace. Their efforts highlighted the necessity of collaboration for the greater good of the Kano community and the Nigerian economy at large. Despite these attempts, the feud persisted, drawing public attention and impacting the companies’ reputations. This standoff not only challenged the entrepreneurial spirit that both men embody but also raised the stakes for their families, communities, and the legacy of Alhassan Dantata.

Reflections on Legacy

The clash between Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of modern business relationships and the ongoing struggle to uphold family values in the face of competition. Alhassan Dantata’s dying wish—rooted in unity, collaboration, and community care—stands in stark contrast to the realities of contemporary business rivalries between Dangote and Rabiu.

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