Paystack has fired its co-founder and chief technology officer, Ezra Olubi, following allegations of s*xual misconduct that sparked widespread controversy online.
Gatekeepers News reports that the issue escalated after X user Max “Makispoke” Obae hosted a Space accusing Olubi of misogyny and referencing their strained personal history.
Her claims triggered a wave of reactions, leading users to dig up old posts from Olubi’s account containing explicit and disturbing content. The resurfaced tweets intensified public outrage, with many accusing him of inappropriate and predatory behaviour.
Paystack placed Olubi on suspension on November 12 while an investigation began. In a lengthy blog post released afterward, Olubi confirmed he had been formally terminated, saying he kept silent during the probe in hopes of a fair and unbiased review.
He said his silence created a vacuum that allowed speculation to spread but maintained that the old posts do not reflect his character or professional conduct.
Olubi also revealed that his legal team is currently examining the circumstances surrounding his dismissal, stating he will refrain from further public comments.
He wrote, “Over the past few days, my name and reputation, built over years as co-founder and technical leader at Paystack, have been called into question because of information circulating online. In response, the Board of Directors of Paystack placed me on suspension and initiated what was described as an “independent” investigation.”
“Once that process began, I chose not to make any public statements. I did this to avoid interfering with the investigation and because I expected a fair, thorough and unbiased review of the allegations being discussed online. This created a vacuum that allowed assumptions and misrepresentations to spread without challenge.”
“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, to the best of my ability, conducted myself in a manner that respects everyone’s dignity and safety.”
“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, in clear contravention of the terms of the suspension and Paystack’s own internal policies.”
“As co-founder, technical leader and long-serving Board member, I have been part of instituting the systems and processes that underpin Paystack’s internal operations. I engaged with this investigation in good faith and cooperated fully with the Board’s directives on that basis.”
“My legal team is now reviewing the process that led to my purported termination, including its consistency with internal policies. They will take the steps they consider appropriate, and I will not be commenting further on this matter at this time.”
The controversy also reignited Obae’s past financial dealings with Olubi. She later announced that she had repaid the $55,000 loan she previously took from him, sharing a receipt to show the final instalment had been settled.
The fintech firm is yet to disclose further details about the investigation or its findings.
