Nigerian payment startup Paystack has terminated the employment of co-founder and chief technology officer Ezra Olubi over allegations of workplace sexual misconduct.
The controversy began after social media user Max “Makispoke” Obae hosted an X Space titled “My Piece,” in which she accused Olubi of misogyny and recounted a troubled history with him. Her claims sparked a wider online backlash, with users unearthing old posts from Olubi’s account containing sexually explicit and disturbing content. The posts prompted further accusations, including misogyny, pedophilia, bestiality, and predatory behaviour.
Paystack initially suspended Olubi on 12 November as it launched a formal investigation into the allegations. In a blog post, Olubi confirmed that the fintech company had terminated his employment. He said he had remained silent during the investigation to allow for what he expected to be a “fair, thorough and unbiased review.”
“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,” Olubi wrote.
He said his suspension created “a vacuum that allowed assumptions and misrepresentations to spread without challenge” and added that the termination came before the investigation was concluded and without any meeting or opportunity for him to respond.
“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,” he said.
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