When the name Ezra Olubi trends, it’s usually tied to innovation, bold expression, and Nigeria’s growing fintech influence. As the co-founder and former CTO of Paystack, he helped build one of Africa’s most admired tech companies; a brand known for its excellence, culture, and global reach.
But in November 2025, the headlines changed. And suddenly, the conversation around Ezra shifted from tech brilliance to allegations, accountability, and the uncomfortable power dynamics within modern workplaces.
This is more than a scandal; it’s a mirror reflecting deeper societal issues. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and what we should all be paying attention to.
The Allegations That Sparked the Fire
The storm began with a public allegation of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate, a claim that instantly raised red flags across Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. Paystack responded swiftly by suspending Olubi and announcing a formal internal investigation, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and workplace safety.
Almost immediately, old tweets posted between 2009 and 2013 resurfaced. And these weren’t harmless jokes. They contained:
- sexually explicit “humour,”
- inappropriate references involving minors,
- disturbing sexual jokes,
- and comments that many found alarming and deeply unprofessional.
The tweets spread quickly, with screenshots everywhere. Public backlash exploded. And before long, Ezra deactivated his X (Twitter) account.
This combination — resurfaced content + fresh allegations created a perfect storm.
Power Dynamics: The Core issue people aren’t ignoring
While the tweets triggered shock, what truly intensified public concern were additional claims shared online, including from a former partner who alleged that:
- there was a power imbalance in their relationship,
- one of the parties involved was his subordinate,
- and emotional manipulation played a significant role.
In the tech world, where founders hold enormous influence, such claims hit differently. Power is not neutral, and when mixed with personal relationships, the lines between consent and pressure become difficult to navigate.
This is why the public isn’t treating this as “just another scandal.”
It touches on culture, ethics, and the responsibility leaders carry.
Social Media Reaction: Outrage, disappointment, and demands for accountability
The reaction online has been intense and divided into clear groups:
1. Outrage + Shock
People expressed disgust at the resurfaced tweets, especially those referencing minors. For many, this crossed a moral line that demands consequences.
2. Demand for Legal Investigation
A strong segment of the public insists this should go beyond internal HR processes. They want the authorities involved; especially because of the nature of some of the claims.
3. Concern for Paystack’s Reputation
Paystack is a household name in digital payments. Many Nigerians worry that this could affect its credibility, company culture, and employee morale.
4. Conversations About Workplace Safety
This incident has sparked wider conversations:
How safe are workplaces for younger employees?
Do African startups have proper structures to protect staff from powerful executives?
How do we define “consent” in power-skewed relationships?
The Bigger Picture: A Moment of Reckoning for Tech Culture
The African tech ecosystem is young, ambitious, and fast-growing. But incidents like this force everyone; founders, investors, employees, regulators, and the public, to confront issues that often get ignored:
- the role of power in relationships,
- the need for stronger HR systems,
- founder accountability,
- ethical leadership,
- and the permanence of digital footprints.
In a world where nothing on the internet truly disappears, old tweets can return to reshape a person’s legacy. And when paired with real-life allegations, they raise questions about character, judgment, and leadership.
Where Things Stand Now
As of now:
- Ezra Olubi is suspended from Paystack.
- A formal internal investigation is ongoing.
- No official public statement has been made by him.
- Social media discourse continues to grow, with increasing calls for a deeper, independent inquiry.
The outcome of the investigation will determine the next chapter. But the conversation it has ignited about safety, accountability, and responsibility will continue long after the headlines fade.
Final Thoughts: This Isn’t Just About One Man
It’s about the larger ecosystem that shaped him, the structures that failed to prevent this, and the conversations we’ve been avoiding.
This is a moment for Nigerian tech to decide what it stands for.
Not silence.
Not hero worship.
Not excuses.
But integrity, accountability, and a culture that protects everyone, especially the vulnerable.
