Nigerian fintech giant Paystack has terminated the employment of its co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a colleague at the company. The decision marks a dramatic turning point for one of the most recognisable figures in Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Olubi disclosed the development in a personal blog post over the weekend, stating that the company communicated his dismissal to him on Saturday, November 22, 2025. According to him, the decision came even before the company concluded what it described as an independent investigation into the allegations.
In his statement, the former CTO explained that his legal representatives are currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding his termination, including whether the company followed its internal procedures and governance practices.
“My legal team is now reviewing the process that led to my purported termination, including its consistency with internal policies,” he wrote. “They will take the steps they consider appropriate, and I will not be commenting further on this matter at this time.”
The controversy surrounding Olubi first gained public attention in mid-November after a social media post accused him of inappropriate behaviour. The post quickly went viral and triggered extensive online debate, especially as users resurfaced explicit and controversial tweets that Olubi had made earlier in his career. The combination of allegations and renewed scrutiny led to intense pressure on the company to respond.
In the days that followed, Paystack placed Olubi on suspension while commissioning an internal review. The company said at the time that it was committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace culture and would take appropriate action once the facts were established.
While the details of the internal investigation have not been made public, the company ultimately opted for termination—an action that signals the seriousness with which it treats employee welfare, workplace conduct, and public confidence. Industry observers note that the departure of a co-founder under such circumstances is unusual and may have long-term implications for internal leadership dynamics and external stakeholder relationships.
The allegations have also sparked broader conversations within Nigeria’s technology community about workplace ethics, accountability, and the responsibilities of founders whose public personas often shape the culture of their organisations. Many commentators have pointed out that the incident reinforces the need for clear reporting channels, stronger institutional safeguards, and a willingness by companies—regardless of status—to enforce their codes of conduct without fear or favour.
As the situation continues to unfold, Paystack has not issued additional public comments beyond confirmation of disciplinary action, and Olubi has indicated that he will refrain from further statements while his legal team proceeds with its review.
The matter remains a developing story with potential legal and organisational ramifications, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
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