UK-based Nigerian pastor Tobi Adegboyega has defended his penchant for luxury fashion and lavish living, describing it as a deliberate strategy to connect with the younger generation.

In a recent interview with the BBC, the founder of SPAC Nation church explained that his choice of attire is meant to inspire rather than alienate.

"I put on what is right, what connects to the generation I'm speaking to, so they are not attracted to drug dealers," Adegboyega said, addressing criticism of his flamboyant lifestyle.

The charismatic preacher, often seen wearing designer clothing and accessories, said his image aligns with his mission to engage young people and steer them away from destructive paths.

SPAC Nation, under his leadership, has been credited with helping to remove hundreds of knives from UK streets and tackling gun violence.

However, Adegboyega's public persona has come under scrutiny amid allegations of financial impropriety and immigration violations.

Reports suggest he lost a legal battle to remain in the UK after overstaying his visitor's visa, which he obtained upon arriving in the country in 2005.

Adegboyega attributed his failure to regularise his stay to an oversight.

"I lost track of time," he admitted, explaining that he had assumed his family was handling his immigration paperwork.

Local reports also link Adegboyega to a £1.87 million fraud involving the misuse of church funds.

The pastor has vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as claims from "disgruntled members" of his congregation.

"How on earth do you run an organisation without disgruntled people?" he asked.

While a UK immigration tribunal reportedly ruled for his deportation, Pastor Adegboyega clarified that the case is still ongoing.

"There is no deportation order, let me make that clear," he stated.