The United Kingdom immigration upper tribunal has approved the deportation of Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, founder of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church, widely known as SPAC Nation. The decision comes after a series of legal battles and appeals by the 44-year-old pastor, who has been residing in the UK since 2005.
Pastor Adegboyega initially entered the UK on a visitor’s visa, which he overstayed. He sought to remain in the country on human rights grounds, citing his marriage to a British citizen. However, the Home Office denied his request, prompting him to appeal to the first-tier tribunal, which also rejected his application. His subsequent appeal to the upper tribunal on August 15, 2022, was similarly dismissed.
The tribunal's decision was based on several factors, including Adegboyega's unlawful stay in the UK and what the judges described as "exaggerated" claims about his community contributions. According to court documents obtained by Saturday PUNCH, Judges Bruce and Rastogi noted that Adegboyega had "grossly inflated" his role in community projects, describing his assertions as "hyperbolic" and unsupported by substantive evidence.
Adegboyega's lawyer, Dele Olawanle, argued that the pastor's church had initiated various intervention programs aimed at rescuing troubled youth from gangs and crime. Adegboyega claimed support from prominent UK figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior Metropolitan Police officials. He also highlighted his involvement in setting up a food bank that provided 136,000 meals for children and establishing safe houses for young people avoiding gang conflicts.
Despite these claims, the tribunal found no corroborative evidence from institutions such as the Metropolitan Police or Downing Street to support Adegboyega's assertions. The judges emphasized that his work could continue without his physical presence in the UK.
In response to the ruling, Pastor Adegboyega took to Instagram, stating, "I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm. Naturally, I will dismiss things that have to do with retrogression; every Nigerian should be proud of me."
The pastor, known for his flamboyant lifestyle, has faced ongoing controversy regarding alleged financial misconduct and a lavish lifestyle reportedly funded by church donations. A BBC documentary previously accused him of misappropriating funds meant for community programs, though he has not faced any criminal charges.
As the situation unfolds, Adegboyega remains confident in his future, asserting his resilience in the face of challenges. "I succeeded well in this country despite all challenges and I’m in the league of people you look up to," he declared.
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