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Tobi Adegboyega, the UK-based Nigerian pastor and founder of SPAC Nation church, has responded to the ongoing debates about his immigration status and allegations of financial misconduct.
In a Friday interview with the BBC, Adegboyega clarified that there is no active deportation order against him, contrary to reports suggesting that an immigration tribunal had ruled in favor of his removal from the UK.
The pastor, who first came to the UK in 2005 at the age of 25 on a visitor’s visa, acknowledged overstaying his visa but described the situation as unintentional.
“I lost track of time,” he said, explaining that he delayed regularising his status for nearly a decade, mistakenly assuming his family had handled the necessary documentation.
The controversy has intensified amid claims that Adegboyega is implicated in a £1.87 million fraud involving the alleged misuse of church funds.
Addressing these allegations, the pastor dismissed them as unfounded, attributing the accusations to “disgruntled members” of his congregation.
“How do you run an organisation without having some disgruntled people?” he questioned during the interview.
Adegboyega also underscored SPAC Nation’s contribution to tackling societal issues in the UK, including initiatives aimed at reducing street violence.
“Our church has helped remove hundreds of knives from the streets and has played a role in addressing gun violence,” he said, highlighting the church’s community outreach.
Known for his distinctive style, often marked by luxury fashion, Adegboyega also responded to criticism of his appearance.
“My style is intentional. I wear what resonates with the generation I speak to, so they’re not drawn to drug dealers,” he explained.
While Adegboyega confirmed that his legal battle over his immigration status continues, he emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the judges.
“There is no deportation order, to be clear,” he reiterated, as he remains determined to secure his stay in the UK.
