Tobi Adegboyega, the controversial founder of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation)—now known as The Nxtion Family—has publicly revealed his battle with cancer, announcing a £100,000 donation to support young cancer patients.
The British-Nigerian pastor, known for his flamboyant style and youth-focused ministry, made the revelation during a pre-recorded sermon broadcast to his congregation on Thursday.
“I was diagnosed with cancer. Yes, you heard me right. I’ve been dealing with cancer for the past few months, or even longer. I just had a major surgery—that’s why I’m not there today,” he told his audience.
“I have just fought the battle, and I feel the verdict to continue to live was given to me by God, for a new level, for a new stage,” Adegboyega added.
As part of what he described as a personal response to the illness, he pledged £100,000 toward cancer awareness and treatment, with a focus on supporting young people facing the disease without adequate resources. “This is my way of giving back—of raising hope where there seems to be none,” he said.
Adegboyega rose to prominence for his unconventional ministry and outreach to at-risk youth, gaining both admiration and criticism for his lavish lifestyle, which includes designer fashion, luxury vehicles, and friendships with celebrities such as heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and Afrobeats star Davido.
His ministry has been under intense scrutiny. In 2022, the UK High Court ordered the dissolution of SPAC Nation after allegations of financial mismanagement. The church was accused of failing to account for £1.87 million in expenses and operating with a “lack of transparency,” according to the UK Insolvency Service. Former members also accused the ministry of coercive fundraising and financial abuse.
Further controversy followed in December 2024 when a UK immigration tribunal reportedly ruled that Adegboyega’s deportation would not breach his rights, citing serious misconduct and mismanagement of the charity during his leadership. His lawyer, Dele Olawanle, dismissed the decision, arguing that Adegboyega had no criminal record and had lived in the UK for over 20 years.
Though he formally stepped down as lead pastor in 2020, Adegboyega remains the public face of The Nxtion Family. That same year, a BBC Panorama documentary featured disturbing allegations from former members, who claimed the church coerced them into committing benefit fraud, taking out loans, and, in some cases, selling blood to meet donation targets.
Despite the controversies, Adegboyega continues to command a strong following, particularly among young people in the UK and Nigeria. Through social media, he has maintained his message of empowerment, resilience, and faith-based success—even as he navigates personal and public challenges.
QED
