Tobi Adegboyega, UK-based Nigerian pastor and founder of SPAC Nation church, has refuted claims about a deportation order against him and dismissed allegations of financial impropriety linked to his ministry.
In an interview with the BBC on Friday, Adegboyega clarified his immigration status, stating that there is no tribunal ruling mandating his removal from the UK. “There is no deportation order, let me make that clear,” he emphasized, adding that the issue is currently being handled by the judiciary.
Adegboyega, who moved to the UK in 2005 at the age of 25 on a visitor’s visa, admitted to overstaying but described the lapse as unintentional. “I lost track of time,” he explained, attributing the delay in regularizing his immigration status to a misunderstanding. “I assumed my family was handling the necessary paperwork,” he said, acknowledging a nearly decade-long delay.
Reports of his alleged involvement in a £1.87 million fraud related to misuse of church funds have further fueled controversy. However, Adegboyega dismissed the accusations as baseless, describing them as the work of “disgruntled members” of his congregation. “How on earth do you run an organisation without disgruntled people?” he asked rhetorically.
The pastor also defended his church’s contributions to societal issues in the UK, citing SPAC Nation’s efforts to combat violence and crime. “Our church has helped get hundreds of knives off the streets and tackled gun violence,” he said, highlighting the church’s community outreach initiatives.
Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and penchant for luxury fashion, Adegboyega addressed criticism of his appearance. He explained that his style is a deliberate effort to connect with younger generations and steer them away from negative influences. “I put on what is right, what connects to the generation I’m speaking to, so they are not attracted to drug dealers,” he said.
