The Nigerian fintech world was shaken after Paystack announced the removal of its co founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi. The news spread quickly because Paystack is one of the biggest tech companies in Africa, and Ezra has been a very popular figure in the tech space for many years. The story has many layers, and in this post, we will break everything down in simple words so that anyone can understand what really happened.

The issue started when old posts and claims about misconduct linked to Ezra began to spread online. These posts were not new, but they resurfaced and gained attention from many people. As more people began to talk about it, Paystack reacted and placed Ezra on suspension while promising to open a full investigation.

However, the situation changed again when Ezra released a personal statement saying that he had been fired before the investigation was even completed. His statement created even more reactions because it suggested that Paystack may have taken action too fast. It also raised questions about how companies should handle sensitive allegations, especially when the claims come from online sources.

What Started the Controversy

The controversy began in mid November when some old posts and screenshots linked to Ezra began to go viral. Many people online shared screenshots of tweets from years ago. Some of these posts were disturbing and raised serious concerns about conduct and behavior. The tweets included explicit jokes and statements that many people considered offensive and unacceptable.

Even though some of these claims were old, the fact that they resurfaced created public pressure. Many users on social media asked Paystack to respond. Some called for accountability, while others believed the tweets did not reflect who Ezra is today.

As the noise grew louder, Paystack released a statement saying that the company had placed Ezra on suspension while they carried out an internal investigation. This was supposed to help the company review the situation in a fair and structured manner.

Ezra Olubi’s Statement

A few days after his suspension, Ezra shared a long message on his blog. In that message, he explained that he had been removed from his job at Paystack. He said the decision was made on Saturday, 22 November. He also said that he was fired before the investigation was completed and that he was not given any chance to respond to the allegations.

According to Ezra, this action went against Paystack’s internal rules. He said the company did not follow the process they had promised. He added that he had expected a fair review because he had worked with Paystack for many years and helped build many of its internal systems.

Ezra said that he had stayed silent to avoid affecting the investigation, and he believed that waiting was the right thing to do. He added that his legal team is now reviewing the situation and will decide the next steps.

Paystack’s Position and Public Pressure

Paystack did not release another statement after Ezra’s message. The last thing they said was that the suspension was part of a review process. Since Ezra revealed he had been fired, people have been waiting to hear more from the company, but no update has been shared.

This decision came at a sensitive time for Paystack. The company is well known across Africa and globally. It was acquired by Stripe in 2020, and many investors and companies look at Paystack as a model for African tech success.

Because of this public image, many industry experts believe Paystack took action to protect its brand. In the tech world today, companies react very fast to allegations, especially when they go viral. Some people feel this is a sign of zero tolerance. Other people think it may lead to rushed decisions.

What This Means for African Tech

This situation has opened many conversations in the tech industry. Many people are asking how companies should handle old posts from social media. Others believe that there should be clear rules for investigations that involve public pressure.

The situation also shows that founders are not always protected, even if they helped build the company. Many startups across Africa are paying close attention because this could set a new example for how misconduct allegations are handled.

It also raises questions about the role of online posts. Should old tweets be used to judge a person today. Should companies act immediately when social media becomes loud, or should they wait until a full investigation is complete.

What Happens Next

For now, Ezra says his legal team is reviewing the case. This means there could be legal action in the future. If that happens, more information may come out because court cases usually bring more details to the public.

Paystack is also expected to make another statement at some point because many people want to know what the company discovered and why the decision was taken so quickly. Stripe, the parent company, has also not made any comment, and people are watching to see if they will say anything.

The Bottom Line

The Paystack and Ezra Olubi story is one of the biggest tech controversies in Nigeria this year. It shows how fast things can change when online allegations spread. It also reminds companies of the importance of clear and fair processes.

No matter what side people take, the situation has created discussions about accountability, workplace behavior, public pressure and company policies. It is a story that will continue to unfold in the coming weeks.

Also Read:Paystack Suspends Co Founder Ezra Olubi After Sexual Misconduct Allegation Circulates Online