Prominent Nigerian-UK-based cleric, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, has become the subject of online controversy following reports alleging his impending deportation from the United Kingdom.
The reports, which surfaced online, claimed that Adegboyega failed to account for over £1.87 million, resulting in the closure of his church by UK authorities.
However, his legal representative, Dele Olanwale, has refuted the claims, emphasizing that his client is not facing deportation.
Lawyer Denies Deportation Allegations
Olanwale described the reports as baseless and rooted in misinformation, stressing that UK deportation laws apply only to individuals with criminal convictions.
“I could not stop laughing when I read that Tobi Adegboyega faces deportation from the United Kingdom. The newspaper that carried the news was ignorant. I have acted for him as a lawyer on a personal basis and for the ministry. He is not facing deportation from the UK. That is elementary immigration law for journalists. Deportation is for criminals. He is not,” Olanwale stated.
Legal Challenges and Clarifications
Addressing the broader issues surrounding Adegboyega, the lawyer acknowledged that the courts and the Charity Commission had raised concerns about the management of the pastor’s church. However, he clarified that Adegboyega himself had not been found guilty of any personal wrongdoing.
“Tobi has lived in the UK for at least 20 years without a criminal conviction. He has contributed significantly to the British community. He has faced many challenges, but he is a winner. Many of his adversaries are from the African community. Sensationalism is an act of idiocy. It is not worth the paper it was written on,” Olanwale added.
He also criticized those quick to make unfounded comments, lamenting society’s tendency to take pleasure in others’ perceived downfall. “I wondered why there is joy in seeing people go down, including so-called pastors. Society has a big problem, as we cannot handle people who are different and want them to go down,” he concluded.
