Real reason I drive expensive cars, wear designer clothes in UK – Pastor Tobi

Nigerian pastor and founder of SPAC Nation, Tobi Adegboyega, has explained his preference for luxury cars and designer clothes, claiming it serves as inspiration for young people.

His comments come in the wake of a United Kingdom immigration tribunal’s decision to deport him.

The 44-year-old pastor has been accused of overstaying his visitor’s visa after arriving in the UK in 2005. He reportedly sought to remain in the country on human rights grounds. However, the court ruled for his deportation, asserting that he had not adhered to immigration rules.

Defending his lifestyle in court, Adegboyega stated that his wife, Mary Alade, who earns £100,000 annually as an employee of AON, has been financially supporting him.

“The court ruling quoted the controversial pastor as saying, “I live with my partner, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 per year working for AON. I spend my time working for the church, for which I am unpaid. I am entirely supported by Mary.

“I have a first-class law degree from Nigeria but I have ‘sacrificed’ my legal career to help those who cannot help themselves.”

The court also heard, “For instance, people have pointed to the fact that he wears designer clothing and drives expensive cars. He was adamant that all of his personal possessions had been paid for by Mary.

“He has never taken a penny from the church. He believes that it is important for him to dress the way that he does because he needs to inspire these young people – they need to understand that there are legitimate ways of making money, for instance through entrepreneurship.”

Reacting to the court’s ruling on his deportation, Adegboyega on Thursday dismissed the allegations, insisting that no amount of persecution would bring him down.

He said, “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. Living in the UK, a city that is well known for pulling people down, I have survived all sorts, so the matter that they are propagating is the smallest matter.

“No panic, I love London city, it is my city and nobody can do anything. Of all the people of colour you know here – pastors and leaders, I have survived everything.

“I’m here, I am at home, nobody should panic for me. I succeeded well in this country despite all challenges and I’m in the league of people you look up to. I have survived that well, nothing has changed, nothing will change.”

(PUNCH)