Ezra Olubi Demands ₦140 Million and Public Apology from David Hundeyin in Defamation Case
In a significant development that highlights the intersection of digital speech and legal accountability, Ezra Olubi, the co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer of Paystack, has initiated a high-profile legal confrontation. Olubi is demanding ₦140 million in damages and a comprehensive public apology from investigative journalist David Hundeyin over what he describes as defamatory content posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Setting the Stage: The Key Figures in This Legal Dispute
To fully grasp the implications of this case, it is essential to understand the backgrounds of the two prominent individuals involved. Ezra Olubi is a well-known figure in Nigeria's technology sector, celebrated for his role in co-founding Paystack, a fintech company that achieved one of Africa's largest tech exits when it was acquired by Stripe in 2020. His influence and outspoken nature have often placed him under public scrutiny.
On the other side, David Hundeyin is an award-winning investigative journalist and online commentator recognized for his sharp and provocative posts. His commentary on various topics, including politics, business, and society, frequently generates strong reactions and widespread discussion.
The Controversial Tweets at the Heart of the Matter
The dispute originates from a series of posts made by Hundeyin on X in December 2025, which quickly went viral. According to Olubi's legal representatives, these posts included several damaging assertions:
- A direct comparison between Olubi and American mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who has faced serious legal allegations in the United States.
- Claims that Olubi exhibited a 'God complex' and operated with an 'absence of consequences.'
- References to 'sexual perversion' that were linked to the controversies surrounding Combs.
- An assertion from Hundeyin that he was 'willing to bet a good sum of money' on Olubi being a drug addict.
Olubi's lawyers have categorically labeled these statements as untrue, unsubstantiated, and malicious, arguing that they were deliberately crafted to portray Olubi as a 'dangerous social misfit.' In response, Hundeyin published the legal notice on his own social media feed, accompanied by a dismissive and profanity-laden rebuttal that mocked the ₦140 million valuation of the alleged reputational harm.
Legal Demands and Reputational Repair
Olubi's legal team has served Hundeyin with a pre-action notice, which typically serves as a warning before a full defamation lawsuit is filed. The demands outlined in this notice go beyond mere financial compensation and include a comprehensive package aimed at reputational restoration:
- Immediate deletion of the allegedly defamatory tweets from all platforms.
- A public apology addressed directly to Ezra Olubi.
- A written undertaking from Hundeyin committing to refrain from repeating or republishing similar statements in the future.
- ₦140 million in damages, framed as compensation for reputational harm and emotional distress caused by the publications.
This approach underscores that Olubi views the tweets not as casual online banter but as a serious legal injury with tangible consequences.
Context and Significance of the Case
This legal battle occurs against the backdrop of significant public controversy. In late 2025, Paystack made headlines by terminating Olubi's contract following the resurfacing of old social media posts and allegations of misconduct, including claims related to inappropriate behavior. While Olubi has maintained that his exit was unfair and violated due process, the public discourse surrounding these events created a fertile ground for further commentary.
When Hundeyin waded into this narrative, his posts added fuel to an already smoldering public fire. For Olubi, a prominent figure whose name is intrinsically linked to one of Nigeria's most successful startup stories, reputation is a critical asset. In the realms of investors, business partnerships, and public trust, maintaining a positive reputation is essential for ongoing opportunities and credibility.
Analyzing the ₦140 Million Demand
At first glance, ₦140 million—approximately $85,000—may appear as an eye-watering sum. However, defamation law focuses on whether false statements have caused real harm to an individual's reputation or opportunities. Two competing perspectives emerge in this case:
1. The Defense of Reputation: As a public figure who played a pivotal role in building one of Africa's leading tech companies, Olubi argues that false claims linking him to addiction or morally reprehensible conduct could adversely affect business partnerships, investor confidence, and personal relationships. Such allegations, if untrue, can persist digitally indefinitely, even if retracted.
2. The Protection of Journalistic Commentary: Hundeyin's supporters may contend that his statements, however blunt, constitute opinion and commentary on broader social issues, particularly in light of the existing controversy surrounding Olubi's exit from Paystack. Hundeyin's outright rejection of the demand, coupled with his decision to broadcast and mock it, signals his firm belief in this defense, even if it leads to a court battle.
Broader Implications for Digital Speech in Nigeria
This case underscores a growing awareness among Nigerians that while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it is not without consequences. As the country continues to engage deeply online, the boundaries between personal expression, journalistic commentary, and legal accountability are increasingly being tested. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how defamation cases are handled in the digital age, particularly involving high-profile individuals in Nigeria's tech and media sectors.
Observers are now closely watching as this legal confrontation unfolds, recognizing that a single social media post can shape public perception and cement narratives in ways that have lasting impacts on personal and professional reputations.
