Embattled Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, who is facing deportation from the UK over his alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme, has broken his silence on the saga, saying people should rather be proud of him.

Adegboyega’s church, Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC), was shut down by UK authorities following allegations of a £1.87 million fraud after he lost a legal battle against his deportation which he claimed would infringe upon his human rights.

According to a report by The Telegraph UK, investigations revealed financial misconduct within his church, as the tribunal found out “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of a charity organization was sustained over a substantial period of time.”

The tribunal also stated that Adegboyega used his position to “impoverish young people who were encouraged to do anything they can to donate money, including taking out large loans, committing benefit fraud, and even selling their own blood”.

But in a video shared on social media on Wednesday night, Pastor Adegboyega, while addressing his impending deportation to Nigeria, said his followers and fans should not worry but rather be proud of him as he did nothing wrong.

Adegboyega also denied allegations of running the church like a cult, claiming that the allegations against him were politically motivated.

Speaking on the controversy in the video, Adegboyega said:

“I’ve heard a lot today, and I’m doing this because our friends our fans people who are worried.

“I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm. And naturally I dismiss things that have to do with retrogression. Every Nigerian should be proud of me.

“I have survived all sort, the matter they are propagating is the smallest of matters. No panic. I love London city, it is my city, and nobody can do anything.”

Continuing, the Pastor said:

“Of all the people of colour you know here, pastors and leaders have survived everything. Now, let me talk about fraud case, fraud case. They keep saying this. This is an advanced country. I’m speaking here openly.

“After all these years, have you ever heard someone go to the parliament and make all sorts of complaints? Someone from another race, another colour. Nothing came out of it.

“So, those who hate, hate already. What you want to hear is not what you heard today. What you want to hear is they’ve arrested them for money, this money, that. Not one criminal case, not one money case.

“You should all be proud of me and of the nation’s family.

So, I’m here, I’m at home. Nobody should panic for me. I succeeded well in this country despite all challenges, and I’m in the league of the people you look up to people that you pick out to persecute. I’ve survived that well. We’re surviving well. Nothing has changed. Nothing will change.

“I assure all our followers and friends that there will be no embarrassment for you other than noise and noise, which we’ve survived for many years.

“I am here. I’m PT number one in London City and nothing is going to bring us down. I love you all. That’s all I’m going to say for now,” he added.

The South African government has clarified its position on a statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that his country had relaxed rules aimed at making it easier for Nigerian tourists and business owners to apply for a visa to enter the country without submitting a passport.

The statement credited to Ramaphosa on Tuesday issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onaguga, had announced that South Africa had simplified its visa processes to facilitate travel for Nigerian business people and tourists, with measures such as five-year multiple entry visas.

“Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa,” the statement had said, quoting President Ramaphosa.

Onanuga had added that Ramaphosa had also assured of South Africa’s readiness to remove constraints on greater investment and address the challenges faced by companies in both countries.

“As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship. Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation.

“Nigeria is host to several South African companies. South Africa has always been open to Nigerian business, reflected in the number of investments and operations established in this country.

“But there is much more we need to do. We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we need to address some of the challenges that companies have experienced.

“Our government continues with its efforts to improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. We want to enable investors to operate, trade, and pursue opportunities in various sectors.

“We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa,” the statement had added.

But following a backlash by South Africans, the country’s government, on Wednesday, countered President Ramaphosa’s statement, saying the country’s visa process was still undergoing reform processes that would ultimately modernise and streamline visa application processes worldwide, and not targeting Nigerians only.

Noting that Ramaphosa’s statement was misunderstood, the South African government said:

‘The Presidency wishes to clarify a misunderstanding that appears to have arisen from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s opening remarks at the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission yesterday (03 December 2024) about the simplified visa process for Nigerian nationals.

“As part of the work underway to modernise and streamline visa application processes worldwide, South African missions in Nigeria have improved the efficiency and convenience of applying for a visa.

“This is part of the visa reforms initiated by the South African government to enable economic activities and boost tourism while protecting our national security.

“The modernisation of the visa application process does not compromise the integrity of the visa system.

“Prospective travellers can apply for their visas without submitting their passports along with their applications – at the time of application, they are only required to submit certified copies of the biopage of their passports, and their actual passports should also be availed during the application process for verification and confirmation,” the clarification statement said.