I am Ezra Olubi, co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer of Paystack, and I stand before you to set the record straight. My recent termination from the company I helped build is not just a personal injustice; it is a blatant violation of fairness and due process. Allegations of sexual misconduct have been levied against me, but let me be clear: I was not given a fair opportunity to defend myself against these claims.

The storm began in mid-November, when an unfounded social media post accusing me of abusive behavior went viral. The sheer weight of online scrutiny led to a deluge of resurfaced tweets from years ago,2009 to 2013,which have been twisted and misconstrued to paint me in a light that is far from the truth. I am not the monster that some want to portray.

Upon hearing of the allegations, Paystack announced my suspension and began a formal investigation. They pledged to appoint an independent investigator to scrutinize the situation. I trusted this process, choosing to remain silent to ensure that my actions did not interfere with what I believed would be a just and unbiased review. I expected a fair hearing,a chance to share my side of the story. Instead, I was blindsided by my termination while the investigation was still in progress.

In my recent blog post, “Terminated,” I expressed my deep discontent with how the situation has unfolded. My name and reputation, painstakingly built over years as a leader at Paystack, have been put on trial without my consent. I was never given the chance to present my defense, which allowed damaging assumptions and misrepresentations to spread unchecked. This is not just my battle; it's a fight for everyone who believes in the principle of due process.

Let me be unequivocal: the tweets being shared do not reflect who I am. Those who know me,both personally and professionally,understand that my conduct has always been rooted in respect for others and a commitment to their dignity and safety. The narrative being crafted does not capture the essence of my character.

As I consider my next steps, I am not backing down. My legal team and I are exploring all potential actions to challenge this unjust termination. It is crucial that we address the origins of these allegations, which stemmed from a personal relationship that has been weaponized against me. To the person who initiated this smear campaign: your actions have consequences, and I will not let them go unchallenged.

Paystack, founded in 2015 alongside my partner Shola Akinlade, has achieved remarkable milestones, including being the first Nigerian company accepted into Y Combinator and a successful acquisition by Stripe for over $200 million. This company was built on innovation, trust, and integrity, values I have consistently upheld. Yet, my dismissal raises urgent questions about workplace conduct, the importance of due process, and the overwhelming influence of social media in shaping reputations,often without verification.

This is not merely a personal plight; it is a call for justice. I urge everyone to consider the implications of a system that allows public opinion to override established protocols. In the face of adversity, I remain steadfast in my commitment to truth and accountability. I will not be silenced.