Amanze Chinonye
Paystack, one of Africa’s leading fintech companies, has terminated the employment of its co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following public allegations of sexual misconduct involving a junior employee.
The dismissal, confirmed by Olubi in a personal blog post on Saturday, November 23, 2025, comes amid one of the most high-profile governance crises in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem in recent years.
The controversy began in mid-November after a social media post accused Olubi of abusive behaviour. This led to the resurfacing of multiple tweets dating from 2009 to 2013, which contained sexually explicit remarks and humour that critics said suggested predatory tendencies.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAs scrutiny intensified online, Paystack suspended Olubi and announced the launch of a formal investigation, including plans to appoint an independent investigator to review both the allegations and the company’s internal processes.
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In his blog post, Olubi stated he was terminated before the investigation concluded, claiming he was not given a meeting or an opportunity to respond a move he says was inconsistent with Paystack’s internal policies.
“My legal team is now reviewing the process that led to my purported termination, including its consistency with internal policies,” he wrote, adding that they would take “appropriate” action. He declined further comment.
The resurfaced tweets and allegations have sparked public outrage, highlighting ongoing challenges around workplace behaviour and leadership accountability in Africa’s tech industry.
Paystack, acquired by Stripe in 2020, has not provided a further public statement since Olubi’s blog post. It is unclear whether Stripe will comment on the situation. Industry observers note that any legal challenge from Olubi could compel the company to disclose details of its internal procedures, potentially affecting governance frameworks in African startups.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger sexual harassment reporting mechanisms, leadership accountability, and organizational culture reforms within the continent’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem.
Analysts argue that companies must balance expansion with transparent and fair internal systems, particularly when allegations involve senior executives.
For now, the future implications for Paystack remain uncertain as it navigates the reputational and operational impact of losing one of its founders under contentious circumstances.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
