Ooni of Ife Cleared 19 Shrïnes for Dangote Refinery, Challenging Deîties to “Come and Talk to Me”

Nigeria’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has disclosed that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, took personal charge of removing over 19 traditional shrines to clear the land for the massive Dangote Refinery project.

Dangote explained that these shrines had long rendered the area inaccessible, barring any development or activity. During the commissioning of a segment of the refinery, he recounted how the monarch decisively ordered their removal, famously stating, “let the gods come and talk to me.”

This account highlights the crucial role traditional authorities can play in facilitating major industrial projects by navigating complex cultural and spiritual landscapes. Dangote expressed his gratitude for the Ooni’s intervention, which provided unimpeded access for the landmark construction. The episode illustrates the practical negotiation between modern industrial ambition and Nigeria’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.