Supporters handed in letters urging the government to overturn the decision, saying the family—whose three children are aged between five and 18—are deeply integrated into local schools and sports clubs.
Among the organisers was Cara McGuinness, whose son is a school friend of 14-year-old Joseph Oyekanmi.
She described Joseph as an exceptional student and athlete, saying: “Charlie came home to me full of stories about this incredible sportsperson and he was just in awe of this wonderful boy who is kind and heartfelt and who is brilliant in the class”, as quoted by RTE.
McGuinness called on the Minister for Justice to reconsider the deportation, adding: “We want to make sure that Joseph, his mum, his brothers, that they feel our support and we want to make sure that the Minister for Justice knows that this is a family that is an addition to Ireland. These are good people and they’ve been here for three years. They’ve put down roots in our community and they have added so much to our community and we want them to stay.”
The family arrived in Ireland in 2023 from South Africa. Their asylum application and subsequent appeal were rejected, and the Department of Justice said people ordered to leave the State must comply if international protection is refused.
Stephen Kirwan, Partner and Head of Immigration Law at KOD Lions Solicitors, said the minister should review the case, citing the family’s integration and community support.
He said: “I believe if the minister does consider the representations that have been made by hundreds of students, hundreds of concerned parents, but also people who know the family, I think it’s a slightly different view to when the initial decision was made.
“We’re simply saying we understand there’s a deportation order but we also understand that there are exceptional circumstances and either consider them and reject their case if that’s what you’re going to do, or actually listen to what the people are saying here today.”
Joseph’s classmates and friends also spoke out, describing him as kind, hardworking, and highly talented in academics and sport.
One student said: “Joseph’s a great friend and has great friends in school and is a really good student and a really good athlete aswell,” while another described him as “one of the best people” he had met in school.
A Department of Justice spokesperson said individual cases cannot be discussed but stressed that international protection applications are assessed independently and individually.
The department added that those refused protection can seek a review of their permission to remain and may opt for voluntary return, noting: “This is the preferred option and the department runs a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to a deportation order issuing.”
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