‘Nigerians should be proud of me’ – Pastor Tobi Adegboyega breaks silence

Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, the controversial founding father of the now-defunct Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), has dismissed allegations of monetary misconduct and warranted his followers that he stays unshaken.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that The Telegraph UK cited an immigration tribunal determination recommending the 44-year-old pastor’s deportation over alleged mismanagement of £1.87 million in church funds.

However talking in a video shared on Instagram on Wednesday, the United Kingdom-based pastor mentioned Nigerians ought to take satisfaction in his success.

Identified for his lavish way of life, the controversial Oyo-born pastor mentioned he has confronted extra vital challenges within the UK and urged his supporters to stay calm regardless of the widespread allegations.

He mentioned, “Each Nigerian needs to be pleased with me. I’ve survived even within the UK, a metropolis well-known for pulling folks down. So, the matter they’re propagating now could be the smallest of issues. My love—London metropolis—is my metropolis, and no one can do something. Of all of the folks of color right here—pastors and leaders—I’ve survived all the things.

“I’m right here—at dwelling. No person ought to panic for me. Regardless of all of the challenges, I succeeded effectively on this nation (UK), and I’m within the league of the folks you admire—folks you pick to persecute. I’ve survived that effectively. We’re surviving effectively. Nothing has modified, and nothing will change.”

Addressing fraud allegations

Pastor Adegboyega additionally addressed the fraud accusations, calling them ‘baseless.’ He addressed the scrutiny he has confronted as an African in another country and highlighted his resilience towards what he known as “focused assaults.”

The publicity-loving pastor mentioned, “Now, let me talk about the fraud case. They preserve saying this. That is a complicated nation; I’m talking right here brazenly. In any case these years, have you ever ever heard of somebody going to parliament to make all kinds of complaints? Somebody from one other race, one other color—nothing got here out of it. So, those that hate hate already.”

The SPAC founder denied any involvement in monetary impropriety, stating, “What you (his followers and the general public) need to hear isn’t what you heard right now. You need to hear, ‘They’ve arrested him (Adegboyega) for cash.’ This cash, that—however not one prison case or cash case. It’s best to all be pleased with me and the Nation Household.”

Background

The Telegraph UK reported that the allegations towards him embody overstaying his visa since his arrival in 2005 and monetary misconduct involving his now-defunct church.

The platform claimed that an immigration tribunal dominated that Mr Adegboyega, 44, the cousin of John Boyega, the Star Wars actor, needs to be deported again to Nigeria after investigations, together with by The Telegraph, uncovered misuse of funds by his church.

The tribunal’s findings, the paper mentioned, had been strengthened by earlier allegations from former church members, who accused SPAC Nation of exploiting weak people.

These allegations included pressuring members to make monetary contributions by loans, profit fraud, and even promoting their blood. A BBC Panorama documentary additional highlighted monetary irregularities and undue calls for on congregants.

Mr Adegboyega’s public persona has drawn further scrutiny, marked by his extravagant way of life, together with residing in Surrey’s £2.5 million mansion.

He’s usually noticed in designer outfits by Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Dior paired with luxurious jewelry. He additionally owns high-end automobiles, together with a Rolls-Royce and a Lamborghini with a personalised quantity plate.

In 2022, the 44-year-old cleric bought folks speaking about attending Davido’s O2 Enviornment live performance and later partying with the Afrobeats star in London in October.