Why Was a Nigerian Family Deported from Ireland to South Africa? Public Demands Answers
Last week, the Department of Home Affairs quietly deported Titilayo Oluwakemi Oyekanmi and her three sons from Ireland back to South Africa. The family’s bid for asylum in Ireland was denied despite Oyekanmi’s claim that they fled South Africa in 2023 after a criminal gang attacked her and her children. Ireland’s Minister of Justice reported that 63 deportees, including nine children, were on the same chartered flight. The Irish Independent Party says Oyekanmi turned down a €10,000 offer for relocation expenses. Social media users have questioned why the family was returned to South Africa instead of their birth country, Nigeria. Advocacy groups and political parties have called on the Department of Home Affairs and Minister Leon Schreiber to explain the decision. Action SA has submitted a parliamentary question, while activists demand investigations into passport abuse and possible collusion by officials. Under Irish and South African immigration laws, deportation can be directed to a country of lawful residence rather than the country of birth. South Africa is obliged to accept its citizens and permanent residents. Each asylum application is reviewed by independent bodies under national and international law.
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