(Source : Telegraph)— Social media has been buzzing with news about Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, the head of the contentious SPAC Nation church. He has faced a setback in his battle against deportation from the UK, as an immigration tribunal has decided in favor of his removal. Adegboyega, who stands accused of financial misconduct exceeding £1.87 million, contended that deportation would infringe upon his human rights, especially his right to family life, given that he is married to a British citizen.
The tribunal, however, dismissed his claims, pointing to concerns over SPAC Nation’s finances and its lack of transparency. Investigations revealed that the church mismanaged funds and faced accusations of exploiting vulnerable individuals, including pressuring them into taking loans or committing fraud to donate money.
Despite claiming that his work with SPAC Nation helped hundreds of young people in London, particularly from black communities, the tribunal found that his contributions were overstated and that his presence was not essential for the continuation of the church’s programs. The judgement elaborated: “Various manifestations of [Mr Adegboyega’s] church have been closed down, by either the Charity Commission or the High Court, because of concerns over its finances and lack of transparency.”
Adegboyega has been living in the UK unlawfully since 2005, having overstayed his visitor visa. The tribunal concluded that his family and private life, which were established during his unlawful stay, would survive his return to Nigeria.
In the ruling, the tribunal stated that while Adegboyega’s community work was acknowledged, it did not outweigh the serious financial and ethical concerns surrounding his church’s operations.
In a two-minute video, the charismatic pastor addressed his over 1 million followers on social media, aiming to silence the rumors surrounding him. He confidently reassured everyone that he is doing well. In the video, he declared his innocence, stating, “I’ve been in the UK, a city that is well known for pulling people down, I have survived all sorts, so the matter that they are propagating now is the smallest of matter……(Speaks the native Yoruba Idiom)……but what I was trying to say is no panic, I love the city of London, this is my city and nobody can do anything.”
He continues, “Of all the people of color you know here, pastors, leaders have survived everything, now let me talk about fraud case…..they keep saying this, this an advanced country. I’m speaking here openly hear. After all these years, have you every heard someone going to the parliament and make all sort of complaint. Someone from another race, another color nothing came out of it, so those who hate, hate already, what you want to hear, is not what you heard today. What you want to hear is, they’ve arrested him for money this morning that not one criminal case, not one money case you should all be proud of me and of the nation family.”
Tobi Adegboyega, a 44-year-old immigrant and cousin of Star Wars star John Boyega, faces deportation despite his marriage to a British citizen, he argues that his deportation would violate his rights to family life under the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) and that the Home Office is overlooking his contributions to the community through SPAC.
“It is alleged that the church leadership lead lavish lifestyles and there have, it is said, been instances of abuse. The [Home Office’s] case before us was that all of this needs to be taken into account when evaluating whether [Mr Adegboyega] is in fact of real value to the UK.” The tribunal concluded: “We are not satisfied that the good work that SPAC Nation undertakes generally would collapse or even significantly suffer should the Appellant be required to leave the UK. Weighing all of the foregoing in the balance we conclude that the decision to refuse leave to remain was wholly proportionate.”
He concluded in the video clip, “So, i’m here, I’m at home nobody should panic for me. I succeeded in this country, despite many challenges and I’m in the league of the people you look up to, people that they(they-meaning haters) prosecute, I’ve survived ……nothing has changed, nothing will change,”
Following up with a BBC interview, BBC’s Yemisi Adegoke show, Pastor Tobe discussed his next steps following a deportation order placed,” there is no deportation of there first of all I need to make that clear um the next step is already done meaning that there’s a case in court already there is um it’s an ongoing issue.” He continued, “I was just a regular person helping people in Pekam-Queens Road Pekam of course I love lost track of time I came here here as a boy 25 year old boy then and you have uncles and fames saying this is sorted with doing it until I realize it’s not done.”
He firmly stated that he has no plans to relocate his organization from the UK following his eventual deportation. He elaborated that his organization has numerous branches spread across various locations, underscoring his commitment to supporting the youth and combating gang-related crime. He also hinted at the expansion of more branches in the future.”Organization here is my organization ….. everywhere, and planning to move it anywhere else means leaveing people to keep killing themselves so no we’re not going to move the community or the movement….. We are just going to establish more and find a way to do what we need to do. “
The pastor dismissed allegations of criminal activity as unfounded, acknowledging that within his large congregation, a handful of individuals may feel dissatisfied. Nevertheless, he maintained a strong stance, asserting that there is no proof of any wrongdoing by the church. He emphasized that if any members were found to have acted improperly, the church responded appropriately by conducting thorough investigations. Additionally, he drew a parallel with the Catholic Church, noting that it has faced more serious issues yet continues to operate freely in its religious practices.
In summary, it seems that Pastor Tobe Adeboyega intends to stay in the UK until a significant intervention from Uncle Sam forces him to leave. Until that time arrives, he will persist in promoting his unique interpretation of Christianity, “I am me, I practice my own Christianity by impacting my community making sure that I don’t stay within the four walls of the church and tell people about going to heaven. I put on what is right, what connects to the generation I’m speaking to, so that they are not attracted to drug dealers and rappers …..nothing wrong with rappers but drug dealers.”
