A former Paystack employee who faced massive backlash for his 2021 viral tweet about wanting to become suspended co-founder Ezra Olubi's white cat has finally broken his silence and provided the full context behind the controversial post.
The Viral Tweet That Sparked Controversy
Back on April 2, 2021, the ex-Paystack worker known on X as @ObiIk posted a photograph of himself with Ezra Olubi alongside a caption that would later become internet famous: "Application for the position of White Cat."
The tweet resurfaced recently amid the controversy surrounding Ezra Olubi's suspension from Paystack over sexual misconduct allegations and the reappearance of his decade-old disturbing tweets that referenced bestiality and pedophilia.
Workplace Jokes Behind the Viral Post
In a clarification posted on November 17, 2025, @ObiIk explained that his viral tweet was actually part of running workplace jokes at Paystack about how Ezra Olubi spent more money caring for his cats than some employees earned in competitive salaries.
"For the sake of a few good people and some worried family members, here's context: While I was at Paystack, we made running jokes about how Ezra spends more money taking care of his cats than some people's 'competitive salary'," the former employee wrote.
He further revealed that the tweet was made the day after Paystack's acquisition announcement, providing crucial timing context that was missing when the post went viral out of its original context.
Reactions and Support from Netizens
The explanation triggered various reactions from social media users, with many supporting @ObiIk's decision to set the record straight.
User @NachyWriter commented: "Don't listen to anyone telling you that you should have ignored. When your name is at risk of being soiled, put a statement for clarity, knowing you've done your best, hoping it sets the record straight."
Another user, @LordSherriff, added: "Anyone asking you to ignore the mob simply does not have your best interest at heart. Clarifications like this help set the record straight and build trust with people around you."
@muyiwhar praised the approach: "Cool rebuttal, see how he came out and explained everything with follow up posts. When you have no skeleton in your cupboard it's always easy to speak up."
Prayers for Ezra Olubi Amid Controversy
Despite the backlash and misunderstanding, @ObiIk showed compassion toward his former colleague, expressing hope that Ezra Olubi would experience God's mercy and kindness through his current challenges.
"Whatever else he might be, Ezra co-built Paystack - one of Africa's most significant technology companies. My genuine prayer is that he experiences God's mercy and kindness through this episode, and comes back to continue building amazing products," the former Paystack employee stated.
The clarification comes as Paystack continues dealing with the fallout from suspending its co-founder and chief technology officer following sexual misconduct allegations that emerged in November 2025.
