Pastor Tobi Adegboyega Challenges Kemi Badenoch’s Views On Nigeria, Highlights UK’s Societal Issues

Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, a UK-based minister and former leader of SPAC Nation, has responded to recent comments by Kemi Badenoch, a prominent British Conservative Party leader. Badenoch had criticized the Nigerian police, recounting her negative experiences in Nigeria compared to her positive encounters with UK police. However, Adegboyega pointed out that societal issues are not exclusive to Nigeria, emphasizing the challenges within the United Kingdom itself.

Adegboyega’s remarks come in the wake of his church’s closure by the British government over allegations of financial mismanagement involving £1.87 million. Despite this, the pastor remains vocal about issues affecting the Nigerian and British communities.

Badenoch’s Criticism of Nigerian Police

In a recent interview, Badenoch shared her negative experiences with Nigerian law enforcement, claiming that the police in Nigeria often engage in robbery. She said:

“The police in Nigeria will rob us. I remember they stole my brother’s shoes and his watch.”

Badenoch contrasted this with her experience in the UK, citing an incident from 2004 where the British police helped recover stolen property after her home was burgled. She praised the UK police for their professionalism and support, describing the incident as a stark difference from her encounters in Nigeria.

Adegboyega Counters with UK Statistics

Responding to Badenoch’s comments during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Pastor Adegboyega argued that societal problems are not unique to Nigeria. He highlighted shocking crime statistics from the UK:

“Between 2023 and 2024, about 78,000 bags and phones were snatched in the UK alone.”

Adegboyega also pointed out the significant presence of the Nigerian black community in the UK, emphasizing their resilience and contributions despite facing systemic challenges. He urged leaders to avoid creating negative stereotypes about Nigeria, especially given the shared issues across both nations.

A Broader Perspective on Crime and Society

Adegboyega’s comments bring attention to the universal nature of societal issues like crime and poverty. While Nigeria faces significant challenges, Adegboyega’s remarks suggest that other nations, including the UK, grapple with their own systemic problems. His response serves as a reminder to approach such discussions with fairness and balance.