Pastor Tobi Adegboyega Explains Lavish Lifestyle Amid Deportation Ruling

Embattled Nigerian pastor and founder of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), Tobi Adegboyega, has defended his luxurious lifestyle amidst an ongoing deportation ruling in the United Kingdom.

The UK’s immigration upper tribunal recently ruled that the 44-year-old pastor should be deported, citing his overstayed visitor’s visa, which expired after his arrival in the UK in 2005. Adegboyega had sought to remain in the country on human rights grounds.

Defense of Extravagance

Addressing concerns about his opulent lifestyle during the tribunal, Adegboyega explained that his wife, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 annually working for the insurance firm AON, funds his expenses. He stated that his lifestyle serves as an inspiration to young people, the primary audience of his ministry, encouraging them to pursue legitimate ways of making money.

The controversial pastor told the court:

“I live with my partner, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 per year working for AON. I spend my time working for the church, for which I am unpaid. I am entirely supported by Mary. I have a first-class law degree from Nigeria but have ‘sacrificed’ my legal career to help those who cannot help themselves.”

The tribunal also heard:

“People have pointed to the fact that he wears designer clothing and drives expensive cars. He was adamant that all his possessions were paid for by Mary. He has never taken a penny from the church. He believes it is important to dress the way he does to inspire young people, showing them that legitimate means, such as entrepreneurship, can lead to success.”

Reaction to Deportation Ruling

Responding to the ruling, Adegboyega dismissed the deportation claims and affirmed his resilience despite numerous challenges.

“I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm. Naturally, I dismiss anything that suggests retrogression. Every Nigerian should be proud of me. Living in the UK, a city known for pulling people down, I have survived all sorts of challenges. This matter they’re propagating is the smallest of them.

“I love London, it’s my city, and nobody can do anything. Of all the people of colour you know here—pastors and leaders—I have survived everything. I’m here at home, and nobody should panic for me. I have succeeded despite all odds and remain someone to look up to. Nothing has changed, and nothing will.”

Farotimi Must Prove Allegations to Be Free, Say Afe Babalola’s Lawyers

The legal team representing Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University, has stated that human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi must substantiate his allegations against the elder statesman to secure his freedom.

Speaking at a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Babalola’s lawyers—Owoseni Ajayi, Olakanmi Falade, and Lawrence Fasanmi, all former chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ado Ekiti Branch—addressed the ongoing controversy. They emphasized that Farotimi’s claims in his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System constituted defamation, prompting Babalola to petition the police for a thorough investigation.

The lawyers asserted that Farotimi’s allegations were an attempt to damage Babalola’s reputation, built over decades of hard work. They noted that the subsequent legal action was necessary to allow the law to address the matter appropriately.

Legal Proceedings

Following Babalola’s petition, Ekiti State Police arrested Farotimi in Lagos on Tuesday. He was arraigned on Wednesday at the Ekiti State Magistrates Court in Ado Ekiti, facing charges of defamation. While Farotimi’s lawyer sought bail, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered his remand and adjourned the case to December 10, 2024.

Call for Accountability

Speaking at the press conference, Owoseni Ajayi, Babalola’s lead lawyer and a former Ekiti State Commissioner for Justice, refuted claims of bias or irregularities. He urged the public to verify facts before forming opinions, stating:

“Aare Afe Babalola, in his petition, requested the police to invite Mr. Dele Farotimi to provide evidence supporting his publication. Failing this, he should be prosecuted for criminal defamation as per Nigerian law. The defamatory materials must also be confiscated pending investigation.”

Ajayi defended Babalola’s right to seek redress, asking, “Is it wrong for Aare Afe Babalola to demand justice for these false allegations? Should justice favor Mr. Farotimi simply because Aare Babalola is a global icon?”

He added, “If Mr. Farotimi can prove the truth of his claims, he will be free. While free speech is a right, it must not harm the reputation of another.”

Jurisdiction and Allegations

Ajayi clarified that the case was well within Ekiti State’s jurisdiction, as the book was distributed there, making defamation a prosecutable offense under local law.

He also pointed out that the accusations in the book violated Section 59 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits the publication of false information intended to incite public fear. This offense carries a potential three-year prison sentence.

“The statements in the book are baseless and malicious, designed to tarnish the reputation of Aare Afe Babalola and his law firm. Such defamatory remarks cannot simply be compensated with damages,” Ajayi stated.

Advice to Farotimi’s Supporters

Ajayi advised Farotimi’s family and supporters to reconsider their stance, suggesting they apologize to Babalola. He warned that those encouraging Farotimi might not have his best interests at heart.

“Aare Babalola is a builder, not a destroyer. He does not seek to ruin Mr. Farotimi but to clear his own name,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ekiti State Police have announced a ban on unauthorized gatherings and protests as tensions surrounding the case escalate.

Feud to Main Event Mayhem: The Deji Bakare vs. Akpororo Celebrity Global Mega Fight Story

In the dynamic world of entertainment, few things spark as much excitement and passion as a celebrity feud, especially one that unfolds in the public eye. The rivalry between Deji Bakare, former Mr. Nigeria, and renowned comedian Akpororo, began as a verbal clash on social media, quickly escalating into a high-profile saga that captured the attention of fans worldwide.

It all began when Deji Bakare tweeted a critique of Akpororo’s comedy shows, calling them “boring” and suggesting it was time for the comedian to retire his mic. Akpororo, never one to shy away from a challenge, fired back with a fiery Instagram video, branding Deji as “irrelevant” and claiming nobody knew who he was. Not one to let the matter slide, Deji responded with a video of his own, asserting that Akpororo wasn’t on his level and alluding to a secret that could potentially ruin Akpororo’s career. The back-and-forth intensified, and fans eagerly sided with their chosen celebrity, fueling the feud.

As the digital spat continued to stir the public, Diamond Superstars Promotions saw an opportunity to turn the rivalry into a full-blown spectacle. The promoters stepped in, offering both celebrities the chance to settle their differences in the ring. The stage was set for what would become one of the most anticipated celebrity events of the year: the Deji Bakare vs. Akpororo Celebrity Global Mega Fight.

Originally slated for an earlier date, the event was postponed to ensure a larger, more electrifying venue. Now, on December 28th, the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, will be the site of this epic showdown. The “Celebrity Global Mega Fight” promises to be a night of unparalleled drama, as both Deji Bakare and Akpororo are determined to prove themselves in the ring.

But the fight itself is just part of the experience. The event will be packed with side attractions and special performances, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Expect live music, dance performances, comedy skits, and surprise celebrity appearances, all designed to keep the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Mark your calendars for December 28th, because the National Stadium Surulere (NIS Hall) will be the place to be. With a thrilling blend of sports, entertainment, and drama, this event is poised to be the talk of the town for weeks to come.

Don’t miss out on the most anticipated celebrity boxing match of the year. Secure your tickets now for the “Celebrity Global Mega Fight” and be part of the action!