Roger Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy PLC, has stepped down following an order from the Federal High Court in Lagos. The court barred Brown from presenting himself as the firm’s CEO while a suit filed by aggrieved stakeholders is being determined. Those stakeholders accused Brown of racism, favouritism toward expatriate workers, discrimination against Nigerians, and breaches of good governance.
In a statement signed by Seplat’s board chairman, Basil Omiyi, on Friday, it was announced that Brown has delegated authority to Chief Operating Officer Samson Ezugwore to act as CEO during this period. The statement confirmed that Seplat had been served with court processes and an ex parte order from Justice Chukwuejekwu Aneke, restraining Brown from participating in the company’s management for seven days. The order was based on allegations of unfair, prejudicial, and offensive acts by the chairman, the CEO, and all Independent Non‑Executive Directors of Seplat Energy. Specific accusations include Brown’s organization of a site visit for major shareholders, cancellation of certain catering and landscaping contracts, and the introduction of a new job‑performance rating system.
Seplat Energy refuted the claims, noting that Nigerians have held the company’s most senior positions—including chairman, senior independent non‑executive director, chief financial officer, and chief operating officer—since Brown became CEO in 2020. The board described the allegations as reactions to its enforcement of corporate‑governance standards and its commitment to fiduciary duties. The statement added that the court order permits the chairman and all INEDs to continue running the company in accordance with Nigerian law, while Brown’s delegated authority to Ezugwore remains in effect. Seplat affirmed it will follow due legal processes, maintain operational excellence, and adhere to best corporate‑governance practices.
The defendants in the suit (no FHC/L/402/2023) include Moses Igbrude, Sarat Kudaisi, Kenneth Nnabike, Ajani Abidoye, and Robert Ibekwe. The case was adjourned to 23 March 2023 for a hearing on the pending application. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior revoked Brown’s work permit, visa, and residence permit over the same allegations. Stakeholders had submitted a petition to the minister, and the ministry responded with a letter dated 3 March 2023, addressed to the Seplat board chairman. The letter, signed by Akinola M. Adesina, director 2, citizenship and business, stated that Brown had ignored two invitations to attend, was found in Abuja for other purposes, and possessed a CERPAC that was not based on a valid expatriate quota, violating immigration laws. Consequently, the ministry withdrew his work permit, visa, and residence permit, deeming his continued stay contrary to national interest.
On Thursday, Seplat denied the allegations against Brown. In a statement signed by Omiyi, the board asserted that the accusations were spurious and vindictive, stemming from the board’s enforcement of corporate‑governance standards. The board highlighted Brown’s unblemished record over the past decade and noted that, in March 2023, it unanimously passed a vote of confidence in him, allowing him to continue his duties from the Seplat UK office. The company also indicated it would engage with the Interior Ministry on the matter, which it claimed had not been brought to the CEO’s attention.
Brown joined Seplat in 2013 as chief financial officer and was appointed CEO in November 2019, formally assuming the role in 2020.
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