Local Labour Representatives Urge Minister O’Callaghan to Stop Deportation of Oyenkamni Family

Local Labour Party representatives have called on the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan to intervene urgently to prevent the deportation of 14-year-old Joseph Oyekanmi and his family next week, warning that their removal from Ireland would cause huge damage to their communities. The family has faced uncertainty for months now, and the case is receiving coverage in the Irish Times today with news that they must leave on 12th February.

Deputy Ivana Bacik and Councillor Lettie McCarthy represent the two areas in which the Oyekanmi children have been based and are schooled.

Councillor Lettie McCarthy, Labour representative for Glencullen-Sandyford said,

“The Oyekanmis are thriving here – academically, socially and through sport. Valued members of the community, deporting them would be wrong. The strength of feeling locally shows just how deeply this family has put down roots here. Deporting them would be a profound injustice and must not proceed.”

Deputy Ivana Bacik, Labour Party Leader and TD of Dublin Bay South said,

“This impending deportation has prompted an outpouring of concern and support from schoolmates, parents, teachers, sports clubs and community members across south Dublin. This case highlights the human cost of inflexible decision-making. Last year, headlines were dominated by the impact of deportations of children on their schoolmates, as well as on the children themselves.

“In Dublin Bay South, Joseph Oyenkanmi’s teachers at Gonzaga, his classmates and friends are united in asking the Minister to exercise his compassion and discretion to prevent this going ahead. Many have expressed disbelief that a talented young person who is so settled and supported here could face removal from the country he now calls home. Now, at the eleventh hour, Minister O’Callaghan must intervene and do what is right – no one wants to see this deportation proceed. I have already over recent months made representations to the Minister on the family’s behalf and I urge him again to take the humane and compassionate approach here and allow the family to stay.”

Deputy Bacik and Councillor McCarthy are urging the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to review this case as a matter of urgency and to grant the Oyenkanmis leave to remain in Ireland.