Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, founder of the UK-based SPAC Nation church, has declared his intention to remain in the United Kingdom despite a tribunal ruling ordering his deportation.
The Nigerian clergyman addressed the ongoing controversy in a video shared on his Instagram page, maintaining that he has overcome numerous challenges in the country and will continue to do so.
It was reported that the clergyman lost a legal battle to avoid deportation following accusations of financial misconduct involving £1.87 million in church funds.
The immigration tribunal also determined that Pastor Adegboyega had overstayed his visitor visa since 2005, living unlawfully in the UK for nearly two decades.
Speaking defiantly, Adegboyega dismissed the ruling as inconsequential and urged his followers to remain calm.
“I’m right here at home; no cause for alarm,” he said.
“Every Nigerian should be proud of me. In the UK, a city known for pulling people down, I’ve survived all sorts of challenges. This current matter is the smallest of them all.”
The clergyman expressed confidence in his innocence, emphasising that no criminal or money-related charges had been brought against him despite years of scrutiny.
“This is an advanced country. After all these years, have you ever heard someone go to parliament and successfully make baseless claims against me?
“No criminal case, no money-related case. That’s why you should be proud of me and the nation’s family.”
Adegboyega also highlighted the difficulties faced by leaders of colour in the UK, describing his survival as a significant achievement.
“Of all the people of colour you know here—pastors and leaders—I have survived everything,” he said.
Reassuring his supporters, he added:“I assure all our followers and friends that there will be no embarrassment, only noise, which we’ve survived for years. Nothing has changed, and nothing will change.”
He dismissed the allegations as propaganda aimed at tarnishing his image, claiming they lacked merit.
“What you want to hear is not what you heard today. What you want to hear is they’ve arrested him for money this, money that. But not one criminal case, not one money case,” he said.
Adegboyega emphasised his commitment to his mission and his unwavering connection to London, a city he referred to as his home.
“I’m PT number one in London City, and nothing is going to bring us down. I succeeded well in this country despite all challenges,” he said.
The pastor concluded his statement by thanking his followers for their continued support and reiterating his determination to persevere.
“I love you all. That’s all I’m going to say for now. Thank you,” he said.
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