Kuda, CEO Babatunde Ogundeyi dragged to court over ‘victimization, sex discrimination’

Kuda Technologies Limited and its CEO, Babatunde Ogundeyi, are currently facing a legal battle in a UK court after the company’s former Group Chief People Officer (CPO), Rosemary Hewat, accused them of sex discrimination, victimization, and unfair dismissal.

Hewat filed a lawsuit at the UK Employment Tribunal in April 2024, claiming she was forced out of the company in a manner that violated her rights.

Kuda, a digital banking service provider operating in Nigeria and the UK, owns Kuda Microfinance Bank, which is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Hewat joined the company in August 2021 and was responsible for managing global human resources operations from Kuda’s UK office.

According to court documents, Hewat alleged that she experienced discriminatory treatment that went against Kuda’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy.

She also accused Kuda’s CEO, Babatunde Ogundeyi, of fostering a toxic work environment through misogyny and intimidation. In her complaint, she claimed that during a retreat in Lagos in December 2023, Ogundeyi allegedly referred to two female employees as “low class” and said they lacked “quality or luxury,” leaving them in tears.

Hewat further stated that the company’s actions caused her financial difficulties, leading her to seek compensation for unfair dismissal, discrimination, and emotional distress.

The lawsuit has sparked discussions about workplace leadership and corporate accountability.

Reacting to the case, CEO of Triangle Forces, Jurgen Proschinger, stated via his X handle, @triangleforces, “These allegations highlight critical issues around workplace equality and leadership accountability. Companies need to uphold values that foster an inclusive environment for all employees.”

Founder of CAUHEC, Elaina McAdams, also weighed in, saying, “It’s important to address these serious allegations for the integrity of all involved.”