More than 300 demonstrators gathered outside Ireland’s Department of Justice in Dublin to oppose the planned deportation of a Nigerian mother, Ms Oyekan and her three children.
Titilayo Oluwakemi Oyekanmi and her sons — Samuel, Joseph, and Genesis — moved to Ireland from South Africa in 2023.
Their application for international protection was later rejected, and a deportation order was issued last year.
The removal, initially scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026, has now been postponed for four weeks following the public protest.
Ms Oyekanmi has said she fears for her family’s safety if they are forced to return to South Africa, citing concerns about xenophobic violence and previous threats.
Supporters delivered letters to the Department of Justice on February 10, urging authorities to reconsider the decision.
Community members argue that the family has become deeply integrated into life in South Dublin. The three boys, aged between five and 18, are said to be active in school and local sports clubs.
Among those backing the campaign is Cara McGuinness, whose son attends school with 14-year-old Joseph at Gonzaga College.
She described Joseph as an exceptional student and athlete who has made a positive impact on classmates.
Several of Joseph’s peers submitted letters supporting the family’s request to remain in Ireland, describing him as hardworking, talented in athletics and rugby, and a valued friend.
The family is being represented by immigration solicitor Stephen Kirwan of KOD Lyons Solicitors, who has acted on their behalf for several months.
He argued that exceptional humanitarian factors — including the family’s integration and community support — warrant ministerial reconsideration of the deportation order.
Ireland’s Department of Justice declined to comment on the specifics of the case but reiterated that applications for international protection are assessed independently by the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).
The department stated that individuals who exhaust all appeal options may request a review of permission to remain if circumstances have changed. Where permission is refused, voluntary return is offered before a deportation order is enforced.
South Africa is classified by the Irish State as a safe country. However, Ms Oyekanmi maintains that her family previously faced serious threats there, including what she described as incidents involving intimidation and kidnapping attempts.
She said she is primarily seeking stability and safety for her children, who she believes have settled successfully into Irish society.
Ms Oyekanmi, who has completed a QQI Level 5 qualification in healthcare and had planned to work as a care assistant, appealed directly to Ireland’s Justice Minister, Jim O’Callaghan, to allow her family to remain.
Local business owner Julie Clements, who runs Gathering Grounds Café in Kiltiernan, where Ms Oyekanmi volunteers, also voiced support.
She said the family has demonstrated commitment to their new community and deserves compassionate consideration.
The case continues to attract significant public attention as supporters await a final decision from the authorities.
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