Mr. Dele Olawanle, a UK-based lawyer representing Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega, has debunked reports suggesting the cleric faces deportation over alleged involvement in a £1.87 million fraud linked to his church, SPAC Nation.
Reacting to widespread reports, Olawanle clarified that Adegboyega, who has lived in the UK for over 20 years, is not subject to deportation. “Deportation is for criminals. He is not,” the lawyer stated via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He also emphasized that Adegboyega has no criminal convictions and has significantly contributed to the British community.
While UK authorities recently shut down SPAC Nation due to financial mismanagement, Olawanle highlighted that Adegboyega was not personally implicated. “Even though the courts and the Charity Commission had issues with SPAC Nation, he was not found guilty of any wrongdoing,” Olawanle said.
The reports of deportation stemmed from a British tribunal ruling against Adegboyega’s immigration appeal under the European Convention on Human Rights. However, his lawyer dismissed these claims, labeling them as “ignorant” and an oversimplification of immigration law.
“I’m Here to Stay” – Pastor Adegboyega
In a video statement from his UK residence, Pastor Adegboyega assured his followers that there is no cause for alarm. “I’m right here at home; no cause for alarm. Every Nigerian should be proud of me. I’ve survived all sorts in this country,” he said confidently.
Addressing the allegations of fraud, Adegboyega stated, “In an advanced country like this, if there were criminal charges against me, you would have heard about arrests or trials. But there’s none. People should be proud of the work we’ve done.”
The pastor also noted that his leadership and contributions to the UK community place him among individuals subjected to scrutiny. “I’m in the league of people they try to persecute. But I’ve survived, and nothing will bring me down,” he concluded.
Despite the ongoing controversies, Adegboyega continues to maintain his innocence and assert his commitment to his mission in the UK.
