Seplat Energy Plc has announced the appointment of billionaire investor and philanthropist Tony O. Elumelu as a Non-Executive Director, following the departure of Olivier Cleret de Langavant from its Board.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the company’s Secretary, Edith Onwuchekwa. Elumelu’s appointment takes effect from January 22, 2026—the same day Langavant formally stepped down after Etablissements Maurel et Prom SA completed the divestment of its stake in the company.
In announcing the appointment, Seplat Energy’s Board described Elumelu as a highly respected African business leader with a strong track record in advancing the continent’s economic transformation. He is the Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, a diversified investment group with interests spanning energy, power, banking, insurance, technology, real estate, hospitality, and healthcare.
Elumelu also chairs United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Heirs Energies, and Transcorp Group, whose subsidiaries include Transcorp Power and Transcorp Hotels Plc. In addition, he is the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, established in 2010 to empower entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries.
His global influence has earned him widespread recognition, including being named among TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2020 and receiving the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) honour in 2022. He also serves on global boards such as UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Global Leadership Council and the IMF’s Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth.
Seplat Energy explained that the Board changes followed the earlier sale of Maurel et Prom’s 20.07% shareholding to a consortium led by Heirs Holdings Limited and Heirs Energies Limited. Langavant, who joined the Board in January 2020 as M&P’s nominee, stepped down in line with the change in ownership structure.
The company praised Langavant’s contribution, noting that his technical expertise and strategic guidance played a key role in supporting Seplat Energy’s growth over the past six years.
Commenting on Elumelu’s appointment, the Board expressed confidence that his experience and leadership would strengthen the company’s strategic direction and reinforce its commitment to sustainable growth. Chairman Udoma Udo Udoma also thanked Langavant for his service while welcoming Elumelu, saying the Board looks forward to leveraging his insight as Seplat Energy continues to deliver long-term value for its stakeholders.
