Seplat Energy Appoints Tony Elumelu as Non-Executive Director, Announces Board Changes
By Naija Enquirer Staff
Seplat Energy has announced the appointment of Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, as a Non-Executive Director on its Board, effective January 22, 2026, following recent changes in the company’s shareholding structure.
The appointment comes after the company’s prior disclosure regarding the sale of Etablissements Maurel et Prom SA’s (M&P) 20.07 per cent shareholding in Seplat to a combination of Heirs Holdings Limited and Heirs Energies Limited. Consequently, Mr. Olivier Cleret De Langavant has resigned as a Non-Executive Director, also effective January 22, 2026.
Mr. Langavant, who joined the Board on January 28, 2020, as a nominee of M&P, was commended for his exceptional service, strategic technical counsel, and invaluable insights that significantly supported Seplat Energy’s progress during his tenure.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa, Director Legal and Company Secretary at Seplat Energy, the company expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Langavant’s contributions and announced the appointment of Mr. Elumelu, describing him as a distinguished African investor and philanthropist with global recognition.
Mr. Elumelu is the Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, a diversified investment company with interests spanning energy, power, banking, insurance, technology, real estate, hospitality, and healthcare. He also serves as Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Heirs Energies, and Transcorp Group, whose subsidiaries include Transcorp Power and Transcorp Hotels Plc.
In 2010, he founded The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), a leading African philanthropy dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries. His contributions to economic development have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2020 and the conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022.
Mr. Elumelu also serves on several global boards, including UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Global Leadership Council and the International Monetary Fund’s Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth.
Commenting on the development, the Chairman of Seplat Energy, Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma, said, “On behalf of the Board and Management, I wish to express our profound appreciation to Mr. Langavant for his outstanding contribution to Seplat Energy over the past six years. His expertise and commitment have been instrumental in driving our strategic initiatives. We warmly welcome Mr. Elumelu to the Board and look forward to leveraging his wealth of experience and leadership as we continue to pursue sustainable growth and value creation for all stakeholders.”
Seplat Energy expressed confidence that Mr. Elumelu’s appointment will further strengthen the company’s strategic direction, reinforce its governance framework, and support its commitment to sustainable growth and long-term value creation.
