Paystack sacks co-founder Ezra Olubi after Sexual misconduct Allegations

Paystack has terminated the appointment of its co-founder and chief technology officer, Ezra Olubi, following public allegations of sexual misconduct involving a junior employee, marking one of the most significant leadership controversies in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem in recent years.

Olubi disclosed his dismissal in a personal blog post on Saturday, saying the company informed him of the decision before the conclusion of an investigation that had been set up to review the allegations.

The controversy began in mid-November after a social media user accused Olubi of abusive behaviour, prompting old, sexually explicit tweets from more than a decade ago to resurface and fuel widespread online criticism. Paystack responded by suspending Olubi and announcing that it would commission an independent review of the allegations and its internal processes.

However, Olubi said in his post that he was removed abruptly and without a formal meeting, arguing that the action contradicted the conditions attached to his suspension. He added that his legal team was now examining the company’s actions and would determine “appropriate next steps.”

Governance concerns re-emerge in Africa’s tech sector

The resurfaced tweets, many posted between 2009 and 2013, intensified public debate around workplace behaviour, accountability, and how African startups handle allegations involving top executives. Several observers say the incident highlights the widening scrutiny on leadership conduct as the continent’s tech sector expands.

Paystack, acquired by global payments company Stripe in 2020, has not issued any additional public statement since Olubi’s dismissal was made public. It is also unclear whether Stripe will intervene or comment on the unfolding issues.

Paystack Suspends Co-founder Ezra Olubi Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegation

Industry analysts say a legal challenge from Olubi could force further disclosures about the process leading to his termination and how the company manages cases involving senior leadership.

For now, Paystack faces uncertainty as it deals with both the reputational fallout and the operational impact of losing a founding executive under contentious circumstances, a moment that could shape how other African startups approach internal governance, sexual harassment reporting, and leadership accountability.