Schoolmates pray for court to halt boy’s deportation
Last Thursday, Minister for Justice Michael McDowell turned down a request by Great Agbonlahor, his twin sister, Melissa, and mother, Olivia, to stay in this country. He intends to return the two children to Nigeria where their mother was born even though they were born within the EU, in Italy.
The Agbonlahor's solicitor, Kevin Brophy, confirmed yesterday that he was set to make an application in the High Court today seeking an interim injunction to halt the deportations.
"We're reasonably optimistic. We're looking for the injunction to stop the deportations, pending a full hearing. But in the long-term we need community effort as legally it could be 50-50 whether we succeed or not," Mr Brophy said.
He said Mr McDowell's argument was that there are enough difficulties in the Irish health service without opening the door to other people.
"People in Ireland at least have an opportunity [of treatment]. They may need money, but they have the opportunity, whereas there's no opportunity in Nigeria for Great. It will be a life sentence for him," Mr Brophy added.
Campaigners have pointed out that there are no proper facilities in Nigeria to treat the little boy's ADHD.
Barth Harrington, principal at Great's school in Clonakilty, said staff and fellow pupils were "shocked" at the thought he was not going to be allowed to stay in this country.
"But we're not admitting defeat," Mr Harrington added.
He said that Great had been offered a place at a special school in Dunmanway which has excellent facilities.
"He'll be granted transport and the resources he needs. It's ironic that one arm of the State is trying to help him while another arm is trying to take it away," Mr Harrington said.
"It is vital that Great stay in this country. They're marvellous in Dunmanway [special school]. I don't see any future for him in Nigeria. We're all crossing our fingers and praying like mad for him."
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