Hundreds of people, including schoolchildren, neighbors, and friends, gathered outside Ireland’s Department of Justice in Dublin to protest the planned deportation of the Oyekanmi family to South Africa. The family, consisting of Nigerian mother Titilayo Oluwakemi Oyekanmi and her three sons, Samuel, Joseph, and Genesis, has been living in south Dublin since 2023. Their asylum application was rejected, and they are now facing deportation despite their integration into the community.
The protesters, who numbered at least 300, handed in letters urging the government to overturn the decision, citing the family’s strong ties to the community and the risks they face if returned to South Africa. The Oyekanmi family has been involved in local schools and sports clubs, and their children are excelling academically and athletically.
The family’s solicitor, Stephen Kirwan, has appealed to the Minister for Justice to reconsider the deportation, highlighting the family’s integration and community support. The Department of Justice has stated that it will consider representations made by the family and the public, but emphasizes that international protection applications are assessed independently.
The protest has garnered significant attention, with Labour leader Ivana Bacik and local residents calling for the family to be allowed to remain in Ireland. A GoFundMe campaign has also been set up to support the family, raising over €10,000.
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