Tony Elumelu to Take Over as Seplat Energy Chairman From January 2027

Seplat Energy has announced the election of Tony Elumelu, founder and chairman of Heirs Holdings, as its next independent chairman, effective January 1, 2027.

According to Channels TV and Vanguard, the appointment is part of a sweeping leadership shakeup at the dual-listed energy company. Current independent chairman Udoma Udo Udoma retires on December 31, 2026, after steering Seplat through its 2030 strategic plan and the integration of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, MPNU.

The transition coincides with a major executive overhaul at CEO level. Outgoing CEO Roger Brown hands over to industry veteran Effiong Okon effective August 1, 2026. Okon brings 35 years of global experience, including past leadership roles at Royal Dutch Shell.

Elumelu’s appointment is significant for the Nigerian energy landscape. Heirs Holdings holds a 20.07 per cent shareholding in Seplat, and Elumelu also controls Transcorp’s power generation assets, positioning him at the centre of a vertically integrated gas-to-power ecosystem.

“I am honoured to succeed Senator Udoma as Chairman in January 2027 and to lead the Board through Seplat Energy’s next phase of growth,” Elumelu said.

Analysts say the Elumelu-Okon combination brings together institutional deal-making experience and deep sub-surface operational expertise, a structure the Seplat Board has expressed confidence in to drive execution of its long-term growth strategy through 2030 and beyond.

Sources: Channels TV; Vanguard