By Abigail Philip David
Controversial UK-based pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, has dismissed recent comments by Kemi Badenoch, leader of the British Conservative Party, about Nigeria. Badenoch accused Nigeria of being a country that pushes its citizens towards questionable behavior and criticized the Nigerian police for allegedly exploiting the masses they are meant to protect.
Adegboyega, whose SPAC Nation church was recently shut down by UK authorities over allegations of mismanaging £1.87 million in funds, publicly disagreed with Badenoch during an appearance on *Channels Television’s Politics Today* on Monday.
“I completely disagree with that statement,” Adegboyega said. “Between 2023 and 2024, around 78,000 bags and phones were snatched in London and across the UK. Nowhere in the world is truly safe. The Nigerian black community here in the UK is very strong.”
The pastor highlighted the struggles faced by black immigrants in the UK, noting the systemic challenges they encounter. “For people like the opposition leader you mentioned to rise to such positions, they’ve fought battles. There were funerals for kids killed on UK streets, including instances where three children from the same family were buried. Where were these voices during those times?” he asked.
Adegboyega also criticized Badenoch’s disparaging remarks about Nigeria, emphasizing that while the country faces challenges, such comments are unwarranted.
“We are not denying Nigeria’s issues, but we can’t paint the picture as completely dark—it’s not true,” he said. “We live here and see what’s happening. UK prisons and mental health institutions have more young black people than schools. Yet, despite the odds, many Nigerians and black immigrants are excelling.”
He also pointed to SPAC Nation’s past efforts, saying, “When SPAC Nation began, we were sending people to Harvard, Cambridge, and producing the highest number of Nigerian students at Imperial College.”
Adegboyega reiterated that no country is without flaws and urged leaders like Badenoch to adopt a more constructive approach when discussing Nigeria.
