UK-based Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega, founder of SPAC Nation church, has refuted claims of a deportation order against him, stating there is no such directive while addressing allegations of fraud and controversies surrounding his immigration status.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC on Friday, Adegboyega refuted claims of a deportation order against him, clarifying that reports about an immigration tribunal ruling in favor of his removal from the UK were inaccurate.
“There is no deportation order, let me make that clear,” he said, while confirming that his legal battle to remain in the UK is ongoing.
Adegboyega, who arrived in the UK in 2005 on a visitor’s visa at the age of 25, admitted to overstaying his visa but described the lapse as unintentional.
“I lost track of time,” he explained, attributing the delay in regularising his immigration status to a misunderstanding. “I had assumed my family was handling the necessary paperwork.”
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The controversy surrounding Adegboyega has been compounded by allegations linking him to a £1.87 million fraud involving misuse of church funds. The pastor, however, dismissed these accusations as unfounded, claiming they were propagated by discontented former members of his congregation.
“How on earth do you run an organisation without disgruntled people?” he said during the interview, brushing off the claims as the result of internal disputes.
Highlighting the positive impact of SPAC Nation, Adegboyega spoke about the church’s role in addressing societal issues in the UK, particularly among youth.
“Our church has helped get hundreds of knives off the streets and tackled gun violence,” he said, underscoring the church’s community outreach programs.
Known for his flamboyant fashion sense, Adegboyega also addressed criticism of his luxurious lifestyle. He defended his choice of attire, explaining that it serves as a tool to connect with younger generations.
“I put on what is right, what connects to the generation I’m speaking to, so they are not attracted to drug dealers,” he stated.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Adegboyega remained optimistic about his case and reiterated his commitment to staying in the UK.
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