Paystack co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, says he has been dismissed by the company while under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct—an action he describes as unfair and in breach of internal procedures.
Olubi disclosed his termination in a blog post titled “Terminated”, published on Sunday, 23 November 2025. The controversy follows a mid-November social-media allegation by an individual with whom he previously had a relationship, accusing him of abusive behaviour. The post went viral, prompting widespread online scrutiny.
As the backlash grew, users resurfaced several explicit tweets Olubi posted between 2009 and 2013, drawing significant criticism and leading to the deactivation of his X account.
In response to the initial allegation, Paystack confirmed in early November that Olubi had been suspended pending a formal inquiry. The company said it had initiated a review process and planned to appoint an independent investigator to assess the claims.
However, Olubi now says he was removed from his position before the investigation was concluded and without being granted an opportunity to defend himself.
“I was not given a meeting or an opportunity to respond before my contract was ended,” he wrote, adding that the decision “appeared to contravene the terms of [his] suspension and the company’s internal policies.”
He said his decision to remain silent during the probe allowed “assumptions and misrepresentations to spread without challenge,” but maintained that the resurfaced posts do not reflect his behaviour.
“Those who know me personally or professionally understand that the posts being circulated do not reflect my conduct or the way I have lived my life. I have always… conducted myself in a manner that respects everyone’s dignity and safety.”
Olubi stated that his legal team is reviewing possible next steps.
Paystack, founded in 2015 by Olubi and Shola Akinlade, became the first Nigerian startup to join Y Combinator in 2016 and was acquired by Stripe in 2020 for more than $200 million.
