Williams Fatayo Steps Down as CEO of truQ Amid Internal Challenges

Williams Fatayo Steps Down as CEO of truQ Amid Internal Challenges

On July 12, 2025, Williams Fatayo announced his departure from truQ, the Nigerian logistics tech startup he co-founded in 2019, citing internal conflicts and a strategic decision to step aside after five years at the helm. In a candid Medium post, Fatayo detailed the journey of building truQ and the difficult circumstances that led to his exit, marking the end of an era for the company often hailed as "Nigeria’s Uber for trucks."

The truQ Journey: From Vision to Impact

Founded by Fatayo, Foluso Ojo, and Isaac Chikutukutu, truQ emerged from a personal frustration with moving large items in Lagos. Launched in February 2020, the platform connected users with on-demand trucks and vans, streamlining logistics for individuals and businesses. Over the years, truQ evolved through three iterations:

  • truQ 1.0: A third-party logistics (3PL) platform that facilitated thousands of trips for operators, addressing access to demand.
  • truQ 2.0 (Siju by truQ): A delivery planning and optimization tool for major manufacturing and distribution clients, tackling process inefficiencies.
  • truQ 3.0: A super app for commercial fleet operators, offering tools and niche financial services to solve multifaceted operational challenges.

Under Fatayo’s leadership, truQ powered tens of thousands of fulfillments, recorded millions in transaction volume, and secured accolades, including the 2023 TC Startup Battlefield win and participation in prestigious accelerators like Techstars, Google Black Founders Fund, and V8 Growth Labs. The startup’s growth underscored its mission to redefine logistics in Africa.

The Turning Point: Internal Strife

Fatayo’s exit stems from a deteriorating relationship with co-founder and COO Foluso Ojo. About a year ago, tensions arose over operational challenges, including truQ’s mounting debts of approximately N100 million. Fatayo initiated discussions about adjusting Ojo’s role or hiring a logistics professional to address these issues, but the conversations turned contentious.

According to Fatayo, Ojo responded with what he describes as a “vendetta campaign,” including erratic actions, internal sabotage, and baseless accusations regarding financial processes they had jointly managed since truQ’s inception. The situation escalated when Ojo attempted to remove Fatayo as CEO through a questionable shareholders’ meeting, which Fatayo claims violated truQ’s bylaws and Nigeria’s CAMA laws. Despite mediation efforts involving investors, friends, and even Ojo’s church pastorate, the rift proved irreparable.

Faced with the choice to litigate or walk away, Fatayo chose the latter to avoid further damage to the company. “The fighting and litigation would have been a lost cause for our relationship, and even worse, kill the company,” he wrote. His decision was informed by personal reflection and a biblical reference (Genesis 26:18–22), signaling a sense of peace with moving on.

A Transition and New Horizons

Fatayo is transitioning to a board-level role at truQ, proposing to sell back some of his equity while retaining a stake under Ojo’s new leadership as CEO. He expressed gratitude for the journey, highlighting the privilege of building truQ, securing top-tier investors, and working with talented teams who believed in his vision. “I have mastered how to go from -1 to 0, from 0 to 1, and build faster and more efficiently from there onward,” he reflected, emphasizing the relationships and lessons gained within Africa’s tech ecosystem.

While truQ’s future under new leadership remains to be seen, recent reports indicate the company is no longer active, raising questions about its next steps. Fatayo’s departure marks a pivotal moment for both him and truQ, as he steps away from what he calls “the most exciting adventure of my life till date” to pursue new opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Fatayo’s story is a testament to the challenges of startup leadership, where vision and execution must navigate personal and professional complexities. His exit underscores the importance of alignment among co-founders and the resilience required to build in Africa’s dynamic tech landscape. As he moves forward, Fatayo’s experience and network position him as a formidable player in the continent’s innovation ecosystem, with the promise of more ventures to come.

Stay tuned to TechPolitics for updates on truQ and the evolving African tech scene.