In a stunning turn of events, Paystack has terminated co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following serious allegations of sexual misconduct. The fintech company confirmed that his dismissal came before the internal investigation was completed — a point Olubi strongly disputes. This move has ignited a fierce debate around accountability, governance, and tech leadership in Africa.

Allegations and Suspension

The controversy erupted in mid-November, when a social media post accused Olubi of abusive behavior. Soon after, dozens of his old tweets — dating from 2009 to 2013, well before Paystack was founded — resurfaced and went viral. These posts contained sexually explicit remarks about colleagues, references to minors, and other highly troubling content.

On 14 November 2025, Paystack responded by suspending him and launching a formal internal probe. In its statement, the company stressed that it takes such allegations “extremely seriously,” and pledged a “fair, transparent, and structured” review process, aligned with its internal values and safety policies.

Olubi’s Response

Olubi publicly addressed the situation in a blog post titled “Terminated”, in which he claimed he was fired before he ever had a hearing or any chance to defend himself. According to him:

“I was not given a meeting or an opportunity to respond … This decision was taken … in clear contravention of … Paystack’s own internal policies.” Business Post Nigeria

He rejected the idea that the resurfaced tweets reflect who he is today. “Those who know me … understand that the posts being circulated do not reflect my conduct … I have always … conducted myself in a manner that respects everyone’s dignity and safety,” he wrote.

Olubi also stated that his legal team is reviewing the termination process and may take further action.

Fallout & Implications for the Tech Community

The backlash to the old tweets has reignited wider conversations about power, leadership, and accountability in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. As one of the most influential fintech firms in Africa — backed by Stripe and trusted by thousands of businesses — Paystack’s handling of this case is being closely watched.

Some observers argue that the board’s decision to fire Olubi mid-investigation may undermine trust in the process and erode employee morale. Others see it as a necessary move to preserve Paystack’s reputation and uphold a culture of respect and safety.

As the story continues to unfold, the outcome could set an important precedent for how fintech companies in Africa address misconduct at the highest levels.