UK-Based Nigerian Pastor Not Facing Deportation Over Alleged £1.87m Mismanagement – Lawyer
Dele Olawanle, the lawyer for UK-based Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega, has refuted claims that the British government plans to deport the cleric over allegations of mismanaging £1.87 million in church funds.
Recent reports alleged that SPAC Nation, a church founded by Adegboyega, was shut down by UK authorities following accusations of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency. Reports also claimed that a British immigration tribunal had ruled for Adegboyega’s deportation after concluding investigations.
A report by The Telegraph stated that “various manifestations of [Adegboyega’s] church have been closed down by either the Charity Commission or the High Court due to financial concerns and lack of transparency.” The report also included allegations of unethical fundraising practices, including encouraging impoverished young members to take out loans, commit benefit fraud, and even sell blood to make donations.
Despite these allegations, Olawanle, in a statement shared on his social media account on Wednesday, strongly denied the claims of deportation.
“People have inundated me with calls and messages since last night. I couldn’t stop laughing when I read that Tobi Adegboyega faces deportation from the United Kingdom,” Olawanle said. “The newspaper that carried this news was ignorant of basic immigration law. Deportation is for criminals, and Pastor Tobi is not one. He has lived in the UK for over 20 years without any criminal conviction and has contributed significantly to the British community.”
Olawanle clarified that although SPAC Nation faced scrutiny from the courts and the Charity Commission, Adegboyega himself was not found guilty of any personal wrongdoing.
He further criticised the spread of sensationalism and misinformation, particularly from members of the African community and other clerics, saying, “Many adversaries, including so-called pastors, are quick to make ignorant comments without facts. It’s disheartening to see people take joy in others’ struggles.”
Olawanle concluded by emphasizing Adegboyega’s resilience and contributions, stating, “He has faced many challenges but remains a winner. The joy some derive in seeing others go down reflects a societal problem.”
Despite the controversy, the pastor has reportedly been lauded for his work by notable figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior officials within the Metropolitan Police.
The statement underscores Adegboyega’s continued commitment to his community and dismisses ongoing reports as baseless.