Ezra Olubi is a Nigerian entrepreneur known for his work in technology and payments. He co-founded Paystack, a company that helps businesses accept online payments in Africa. Born on November 12, 1986, in Ibadan, Nigeria, Olubi has built a career around solving problems in digital finance. His story shows how one person can change an industry while facing personal challenges.
In recent news, on November 14, 2025, Paystack suspended Olubi from his role as chief technology officer after claims of misconduct. This event contrasts with his earlier success, like the 2020 sale of Paystack to Stripe for over $200 million. Despite these issues, Olubi’s work has helped grow Africa’s tech scene. He is also an advocate for human rights, especially for the LGBT community in Nigeria.
This biography looks at his life to help readers understand his impact. It covers his early years, education, career steps, awards, personal choices, recent problems, and more. By reading this, you will see how innovation and personal life mix in the world of business. Olubi’s net worth is estimated at $100 million as of 2025, mainly from Paystack’s growth. His journey reminds us that success comes with responsibility.
Early Life
Ezra Olubi grew up in Ibadan, a city in Oyo State, Nigeria. Born in 1986, he came from a simple family that encouraged learning and curiosity. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a pilot. He spent time thinking about flying and exploring the world. But life in Nigeria during the 1990s was tough. The country faced economic changes after the oil boom, which shaped how young people like Olubi saw opportunities.
In his early years, Olubi discovered computers. This sparked his interest in technology. Nigeria’s tech scene was just starting, with limited access to tools. Yet, Olubi found ways to learn. His family supported his curiosity, helping him focus on problem-solving skills. These roots in Ibadan built his drive to create solutions for real issues.
Olubi’s childhood taught him resilience. Living in a place with challenges like poor infrastructure made him value innovation. He later used these lessons in his work. For example, Paystack aimed to fix payment problems in Africa, much like the gaps he saw growing up. This period set the stage for his shift from dreaming of planes to building software.
Key influences in his early life include:
- Family encouragement to explore new ideas.
- Exposure to computers in a time when they were rare in Nigeria.
- Economic hardships that pushed him toward practical skills.
- A dream of flight that evolved into a passion for tech.
These elements helped form the entrepreneur he became. Understanding his background shows why he focuses on African problems in his business.
Education
Olubi studied at Babcock University in Ogun State, Nigeria. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science around 2006. The university gave him a strong base in programming and engineering. During his time there, he met Shola Akinlade, who later became his business partner.
At Babcock, Olubi joined coding clubs and competitions. He won awards like Programmer of the Year twice. These events helped him practice skills in languages like QBASIC and Visual Basic. He also took part in software exhibitions from 2003 to 2006. This hands-on experience prepared him for real-world tech work.
Education in Nigeria often faces issues like limited resources. Yet, Olubi made the most of it. He learned software architecture and how to assess needs for tech projects. Mentors and peers at Babcock inspired him to think big. For instance, meeting Akinlade led to ideas that became Paystack.
Skills gained during his studies include:
- Programming basics and advanced coding.
- Teamwork in tech projects.
- Problem-solving for business applications.
- Leadership in student groups like the Computer Club.
After graduating, Olubi moved into consulting. His degree opened doors in Nigeria’s growing tech field. This education was key to his success in fintech.
Career
Olubi started his career as a software developer after university. He worked on online payments and business tools. In 2010, at age 24, he built an early version of a payment system called Eyowo. Three years later, he helped expand Jobberman, a job site in Nigeria.
As a consultant, Olubi assessed needs for tech projects. He worked in places like Sunnyvale, California, to gain global experience. Challenges included Nigeria’s weak digital setup, like unreliable internet. He overcame these by focusing on simple, effective solutions.
In 2015, Olubi co-founded Paystack with Shola Akinlade in Lagos. The company started with a $120,000 valuation. It offered easy API tools for e-commerce payments. Early hurdles involved rules from the Central Bank of Nigeria and building user trust.
Paystack grew fast. By 2016, it raised $1.3 million in funding. Olubi, as CTO, led tech teams on features like fraud checks and mobile payments. The 2020 Stripe acquisition for $200 million marked a high point. Paystack now serves over 60,000 businesses in Africa.
Career milestones include:
- Early roles in software development.
- Consulting on payment systems.
- Founding Paystack in 2015.
- Leading tech after the 2020 acquisition.
Olubi’s path shows how starting small can lead to big changes in fintech.
Achievements and Recognition
Olubi has earned many awards for his work. In 2022, he received the Order of the Niger (OON), a national honor from Nigeria. This recognized his role in tech growth. He also won Programmer of the Year at Babcock University twice.
Paystack’s success brought more praise. The 2020 Stripe deal was the largest in Nigerian tech history. Olubi mentored young programmers and supported Africa’s digital economy. His work helped companies like Jumia with payments.
In 2025, he was nominated for Tech Disruptor of the Year at the MOI Awards. He also won national science competitions in 2005.
Key achievements include:
- Co-founding Paystack, acquired for $200 million in 2020.
- Receiving OON honor in 2022.
- Winning university programming awards.
- Mentoring in Nigeria’s tech community.
- Contributing to fintech growth, creating jobs.
Olubi’s honors show his lasting impact on innovation.
Personal Life
Olubi is known for his unique style, often wearing lipstick and painted nails. In 2021, his wedding outfit sparked talks on social media. He identifies as heterosexual but embraces androgynous fashion.
He is in a polyamorous relationship and advocates for LGBT rights in Nigeria. In 2024, he shared photos with partners, celebrating their bond. Nigeria’s laws make this advocacy risky, but Olubi promotes inclusivity in tech.
Rumors about his orientation exist, but he focuses on equality. He deactivated his X account in 2025 amid backlash.
Aspects of his personal life include:
- Androgynous fashion challenging norms.
- Polyamorous relationships shared publicly.
- Advocacy for human rights.
- Focus on diversity in workplaces.
His choices inspire discussions on identity in conservative settings.
Recent Controversies
On November 14, 2025, Paystack suspended Olubi after a claim of sexual misconduct with a subordinate. The company started an internal probe. Old tweets from 2009 to 2013 resurfaced, showing inappropriate comments about colleagues and minors.
These posts included jokes about touching coworkers and other explicit content. Public outrage grew, leading to his X account deactivation. Paystack stated it takes such matters seriously.
The event raised questions about workplace culture in Nigerian tech. It also linked to broader talks on accountability.
Key points in the controversy:
- Suspension announced on November 14, 2025.
- Allegation involves a subordinate.
- Resurfaced tweets from over a decade ago.
- Ongoing investigation by Paystack.
This situation highlights the need for ethical standards in business.
Conclusion
Ezra Olubi’s life mixes big wins and tough challenges. From Ibadan to leading Paystack’s $200 million deal in 2020, he shaped African fintech. His advocacy and style added to his story. Yet, the 2025 suspension shows flaws can affect even successful people.
His legacy includes jobs created and payments made easier. Net worth around $100 million reflects his impact. Future steps may involve reforms or new work. Olubi’s tale teaches that innovation needs ethics.
FAQs
Who is Ezra Olubi?
Ezra Olubi is a Nigerian entrepreneur and co-founder of Paystack, born on November 12, 1986.
What is Ezra Olubi’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $100 million as of 2025, from Paystack’s success.
Why was Ezra Olubi suspended from Paystack?
He was suspended on November 14, 2025, due to a sexual misconduct allegation and resurfaced old tweets.
Is Ezra Olubi gay?
Olubi identifies as heterosexual but advocates for LGBT rights and is in a polyamorous relationship.
How did Ezra Olubi start Paystack?
He co-founded it in 2015 with Shola Akinlade to solve payment issues in Nigeria.
What are Ezra Olubi’s achievements?
They include co-founding Paystack, the 2020 Stripe acquisition, and receiving the OON honor in 2022.
