Tobi Adegboyega, the Nigerian pastor based in the United Kingdom and founder of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), has boldly declared that he will become even more influential in Nigeria than he is in the UK.
This statement comes after the UK’s immigration upper tribunal gave approval for his deportation following allegations of a £1.87 million fraud.
However, Adegboyega has strongly denied the fraud accusations, calling them unfounded and lacking evidence.
In a recent interview on the Off The Record podcast, Adegboyega was asked whether SPAC Nation was the only church facing such serious allegations. His response was to draw attention to the growth and success of his church in the UK and Europe.
“We are the largest independent church in the UK and Europe right now,” Adegboyega proudly stated.
Despite the legal challenges, Adegboyega remains confident in his future plans, particularly in Nigeria.
“If I am in Nigeria, I will be bigger than this, 10 times maybe,” he continued. “If I am in Paris, I will be happier. It’s holiday for me. London will miss me, so you better tell them, we still need this guy, nobody is close to us entertaining us.”
The remarks suggest Adegboyega’s determination to continue expanding his influence, especially in Nigeria, where the religious landscape has seen rapid growth in recent years.
The Allegations and Legal Battle
The deportation order stems from a series of allegations against Adegboyega. He is accused of being involved in a fraudulent scheme that allegedly defrauded individuals and organisations of a total of £1.87 million.
The case has attracted significant attention in the media, with many questioning the practices of SPAC Nation, which has been at the centre of various controversies.
The pastor, however, has repeatedly dismissed these allegations. In a statement to the press, Adegboyega described the fraud claims as “baseless” and insisted that they were part of a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
“I have nothing to hide,” he said. “All these allegations are unfounded, and I will continue to fight them. There is no truth to them whatsoever.”
Despite the legal battle, Adegboyega remains optimistic about his future. His comments regarding Nigeria highlight his belief that the country offers a more promising platform for his ministry and business ventures.
SPAC Nation’s Success in the UK
Under Adegboyega’s leadership, SPAC Nation has become one of the most prominent churches in the UK. The church is known for attracting a large number of young people, especially in the capital, London.
SPAC Nation has also been involved in various social and community projects, often targeting disadvantaged youth in the city. This focus on social outreach has helped the church gain a strong following among younger generations.
The church’s influence has expanded beyond the UK, with branches in several European countries. Adegboyega’s remarks on his church’s position in Europe reflect his ambition to expand his reach even further.
Despite controversies surrounding the church’s financial practices, Adegboyega has positioned SPAC Nation as a force for change in the UK religious scene. He has frequently touted the church’s success in transforming the lives of young people through its programmes and outreach efforts.
“We have done a lot for the community,” Adegboyega said. “We have helped people turn their lives around. It’s a place of change and growth.”
The Nigerian Market: A Bigger Stage
Adegboyega’s comments about Nigeria suggest that he believes the country will offer greater opportunities for growth. The Nigerian market is known for its vibrant and diverse religious landscape, with many large churches having significant influence in society.
In recent years, the popularity of Nigerian pastors and churches has grown internationally, particularly in the areas of evangelism and business. Adegboyega seems to be positioning himself to take advantage of this expanding market.
“I know Nigeria is a place where I can make an even bigger impact,” he said. “I’ve built something special here in the UK, but I know that in Nigeria, I can reach even more people and grow the church tenfold.”
The potential for growth in Nigeria is certainly there, as the country remains one of the largest and most religiously diverse nations in Africa. The success of other Nigerian pastors, such as David Oyedepo and Chris Oyakhilome, who have built massive followings both in Nigeria and internationally, could provide a blueprint for Adegboyega’s own aspirations.
London Will Miss Me, Says Pastor
Despite his plans to focus on Nigeria, Adegboyega remains nostalgic about his time in London. He acknowledges that his departure will be felt in the UK, particularly by his followers in the capital.
“London will miss me,” he said with a sense of pride. “I’ve brought something different here, something no one else can offer. But I’m ready for what lies ahead in Nigeria.”
Adegboyega’s confident statements about his departure from London reflect his belief in the power of his brand. He is clearly committed to continuing his ministry and expanding his influence, whether in the UK, Nigeria, or beyond.
While his future in the UK remains uncertain due to the legal proceedings, Adegboyega’s resolve to build a larger presence in Nigeria suggests that he is far from deterred by the challenges he faces.
Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church, or SPAC Nation, was founded by Tobi Adegboyega in the UK in 2007. The church has grown rapidly, attracting a large following among young people in London and other cities. Its focus on social impact and youth outreach has been central to its success, despite the controversies that have followed its growth.
In recent years, SPAC Nation has been accused of financial mismanagement and questionable practices, including claims of exploitation of its members. The church’s leader, Adegboyega, has repeatedly denied these allegations and insists that SPAC Nation is a force for good in the community.
As the pastor continues to battle legal challenges in the UK, his sights are firmly set on expanding his reach, particularly in Nigeria, where religious entrepreneurship is thriving.
