Omanghana
A woman facing deportation to South Africa with her three sons has said she feels “relieved” after the family was granted additional time to remain in Ireland, following an intense legal and community campaign in their support.
Titilayo Oluwakemi Oyekanmi arrived in Ireland in late 2023 with her three sons—Samuel, Joseph, and Genesis, aged between five and 18—after fleeing violence in South Africa.
Fleeing Violence and Seeking Protection
Ms Oyekanmi said she applied for asylum after being beaten by a gang and threatened at gunpoint while living in South Africa. Fearing for her life and the safety of her children, she sought international protection upon arriving in Ireland.
However, her asylum application was rejected, and a subsequent appeal was also unsuccessful. In April 2025, the family received a deportation order, placing them at risk of being removed from the country.
Humanitarian Appeal and Temporary Reprieve
Following the deportation order, the family’s solicitor applied for it to be revoked on humanitarian grounds, citing the children’s welfare, their integration into Irish society, and the potential danger they could face if returned.
Ms Oyekanmi confirmed that the family will be required to report again to the Garda National Immigration Bureau next month. Beyond that, she said she is awaiting further guidance from her legal team.
While the deportation order has not been formally withdrawn, the family has been granted additional time to remain in Ireland, offering temporary relief after months of uncertainty.
Deep Roots in the Local Community
Since settling in South Dublin, Ms Oyekanmi’s sons have become active members of their schools and local sports clubs. Community leaders and residents have appealed to the Department of Justice not to proceed with the deportation, warning that the family’s removal would be a significant loss to the area.
On February 10, hundreds of people—including many schoolchildren—gathered outside the Department of Justice to protest in solidarity with the family.
“A Groundswell of Support”
Stephen Kirwan, solicitor with KOD Lyons, said the public response has been extraordinary.
“The groundswell of support is something like I’ve never seen before,” he said.
“It’s heartening to see young people from across the community, here in Dublin in particular, standing up for a family.”
Sporting Excellence and Academic Promise
The family’s case has drawn particular attention due to the achievements of the two older boys. Both are talented athletes and play rugby with De La Salle Palmerston FC.
Joseph, aged 14, is also a member of Dundrum South Dublin Athletics Club and has been attending Gonzaga College on a scholarship since September.
National Sporting Figure Speaks Out
Among those who have written to the Department of Justice is former international athlete David Gillick, Ireland’s national men’s 400-metre record holder, who has coached Joseph.
In his letter, Gillick described Joseph as having “remarkable athletic ability” and said he has been “an absolute joy to coach.”
“Beyond his athletic achievements, Joseph is an exceptional young person—full of life, ambition, and dreams,” Gillick wrote.
“His talents extend beyond athletics, as he is already making an impact on the rugby field with Gonzaga College.”
He added that the entire family has contributed positively to community life and represents a powerful example of successful integration.
Political Calls for Intervention
Several senior politicians have also urged intervention in the case, including Labour leader Ivana Bacik and Green Party deputy leader Hazel Chu, both of whom have called on Jim O’Callaghan to halt the deportation.
Fear of Return
Ms Oyekanmi, who is originally from Nigeria, said she remains deeply fearful of being sent back to South Africa.
“I am afraid for our lives,” she said, adding that returning would expose her and her children to the same dangers that forced them to flee.
An Uncertain Path Ahead
While the reprieve has eased immediate fears, the family’s long-term future in Ireland remains uncertain. Advocates say the case highlights broader concerns around deportation, child welfare, and the role of community integration in immigration decisions.
For now, Ms Oyekanmi and her sons remain in Ireland—supported by a community determined to see them stay, and hopeful that humanitarian considerations will ultimately prevail.
Source: Omanghana
