24th November, 2025
Nigerian fintech giant Paystack has dismissed its Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following allegations of workplace sexual misconduct that erupted in mid-November.
The controversy began after a social media user accused Olubi of abusive behaviour, which subsequently triggered widespread backlash. The viral post prompted thousands to resurface explicit and controversial tweets authored by Olubi between 2009 and 2013, containing sexually suggestive remarks that drew public outrage.
Paystack initially suspended Olubi on November 12, announcing that it had launched a formal investigation into the matter. The company stated it would appoint an independent investigator to review the allegations thoroughly.
However, in a blog post published on Saturday, November 23, 2025, Olubi revealed that Paystack terminated his employment before the investigation reached completion. The dismissed executive expressed dissatisfaction with the process, claiming he was denied the opportunity to defend himself.
“On Saturday, 22 November 2025, I was informed that my employment had been terminated. This decision was taken before the supposed investigation was concluded, and without any meeting, hearing, or opportunity for me to respond to the issues raised,” Olubi wrote.
He maintained that the decision violated both the terms of his suspension and Paystack’s internal policies, which he helped establish as a founding member and board director.
Olubi insisted the resurfaced posts do not reflect his character or professional conduct. “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,” he stated.
The allegations gained momentum after Max Obae (also known as Maki), who identified herself as a former partner of Olubi, made claims during a live audio session. She alleged manipulative behaviour and described entering a polyamorous relationship with the tech executive in September 2023.
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership has called on the police to investigate the sexual misconduct allegations, describing the situation as raising serious moral and criminal concerns.
Olubi, who co-founded Paystack alongside Shola Akinlade in 2015, played a pivotal role in building the company into Nigeria’s leading payment platform. Paystack was acquired by Stripe in 2020 for $200 million, marking one of Africa’s landmark tech exits.
The embattled CTO disclosed that his legal team is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding his termination to determine if it aligns with company policies. He declined further comments on the matter.
Obae also announced on social media that she has fully repaid the $55,000 loan she received from Olubi for her brother’s tuition fees.
Paystack and its parent company, Stripe, have remained silent following Olubi’s claims, offering no additional public statements beyond their initial suspension announcement. The incident has reignited conversations about governance, workplace ethics, and accountability within Nigeria’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem.