Ezra Olubi is a Nigerian software engineer and technology entrepreneur whose name became closely linked with one of Africa’s biggest fintech success stories — Paystack.
Born on November 12, 1986, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Olubi developed an interest in computers and programming from an early age. He studied Computer Science at Babcock University, where his programming skills earned him recognition and awards. He also met Shola Akinlade, who would later become his business partner.
Before Paystack, Olubi built experience across Nigeria’s technology industry. He worked in software development and technology roles at companies including Softcom and Jobberman. He was also involved in projects focused on digital payments and business technology, giving him practical experience that later became important in building Paystack. (
In 2015, Olubi and Akinlade founded Paystack with a simple goal: make it easier for African businesses to accept payments online. Olubi took on the role of Chief Technology Officer, helping build the technology that powered the platform.
Paystack quickly attracted attention. In 2015, it became the first Nigerian company accepted into Y Combinator, one of the world’s most recognised startup accelerators. The company later raised $1.3 million in seed funding and $8 million in Series A funding, with investors including Stripe, Visa, Tencent and Y Combinator.
The biggest milestone came in October 2020 when Stripe acquired Paystack for more than $200 million. The deal became one of the most significant startup acquisitions in Nigeria and placed African fintech firmly on the international technology map.
Beyond Paystack, Olubi has been recognised for his contribution to Nigeria’s technology sector. In 2022, he received the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contribution to technology and financial services.
His journey, however, has also included controversy. In November 2025, Paystack suspended Olubi following allegations of misconduct and later announced his termination. Olubi disputed the fairness of the process and said his legal team was reviewing the circumstances surrounding his removal.
Despite the controversy surrounding the later part of his Paystack career, Olubi’s earlier work remains an important part of Nigeria’s fintech history. His technical contribution to Paystack helped create a payment platform that grew from a Nigerian startup into a company acquired by one of the world’s leading financial technology firms.
For Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, Olubi’s story represents both the possibilities of building globally competitive technology from Africa and the importance of leadership, accountability and reputation in the modern business world.
