Seplat appoints Elumelu as non-executive director

The Board of Seplat Energy has announced the appointment of the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, as a Non-Executive Director, effective January 22, 2026.

Seplat announced this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director Legal/Company Secretary, Edith Onwuchekwa, noting that the appointment followed the resignation of Olivier Cleret De Langavant as a Non-Executive Director on January 22.

The company stated that the development followed the company’s prior announcement on the sale of Etablissements Maurel et Prom SA (M&P) 20.07% shareholding in Seplat to Heirs Holdings Limited and Heirs Energies Limited.

Seplat noted that Langavant, who joined the Board on January 28, 2020, as a nominee of M&P, rendered exceptional service throughout his tenure, providing strategic technical counsel and invaluable insights that have materially supported the company’s progress,

It said: “The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR as a Non-Executive Director on the Board effective 22 January 2026.

“Mr. Elumelu is a distinguished African investor and philanthropist, globally recognised as one of the most prominent voices on Africa’s transformation agenda. He is the Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, a diversified investment company with interests across strategic sectors of the African economy, including energy, power, banking, insurance, technology, real estate, hospitality, and healthcare.”

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Elumelu also serves as Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Heirs Energies, Transcorp Group, whose subsidiaries include Transcorp Power, and Transcorp Hotels Plc.

In 2010, he established The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropy dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries. His global influence has been widely acknowledged, including recognition as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World (2020) and the conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (2022).

He 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.

“We are confident that Elumelu’s extensive experience and visionary leadership will significantly advance Seplat Energy’s strategic objectives and reinforce the Company’s commitment to sustainable growth and long-term success,” Seplat added.

The Star