December 14, (THEWILL) – Embattled self-acclaimed pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, has attributed his prolonged overstay in the United Kingdom to losing track of time, amidst a controversial deportation saga.
Adegboyega, founder of the SPAC Nation Church, revealed that he entered the UK in 2005 at the age of 25 on a visitor’s visa but failed to regularize his immigration status.
“I lost track of time,” he explained, adding that he assumed his family was handling the necessary paperwork during the nearly decade-long lapse in updating his legal status.
The 44-year-old cleric is reportedly battling deportation after losing an immigration tribunal case tied to allegations of misappropriating £1.87 million in church funds.
The tribunal ordered his removal from the UK following an investigation into financial irregularities within SPAC Nation.
However, Adegboyega dismissed the allegations, insisting that there is no deportation order against him.
“Let me make it clear—there is no deportation order. The case is ongoing, and the decision is in the hands of the judges,” he said.
He further claimed that the fraud allegations stemmed from disgruntled church members.
“How on earth do you run an organization without disgruntled people?” he asked rhetorically.
Despite the controversies, Adegboyega highlighted his church’s contributions to tackling violence in the UK.
He claimed that SPAC Nation had helped remove hundreds of knives from the streets and curbed gun violence among young people.
The pastor also addressed criticisms surrounding his extravagant lifestyle, often showcased on social media.
Adegboyega defended his choice of luxury, stating, “I wear what resonates with the generation I’m speaking to. It helps them see an alternative to being attracted to drug dealers.”
While Adegboyega continues to appeal his deportation order, the case remains a subject of public scrutiny.
The flamboyant pastor, whose ministry has drawn both praise and controversy, insists his mission is to uplift and transform lives despite the legal battles and allegations.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
