Ontario Family Faces Deportation as Daughter Battles Leukemia

The Fayemi family, residing in Fort Erie, Ontario, is facing imminent deportation to Nigeria while grappling with a serious medical crisis. Taiwo Fayemi, the matriarch, is packing their belongings, aware that they may be forced to leave Canada just as her daughter, Amirat, battles Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The family’s dire situation has drawn attention as they seek to halt their removal amid urgent health concerns.

On Saturday, Taiwo, who is a mother to nine children aged four to 19, expressed her distress during an interview. “It is traumatizing for me; I never ever dreamt this day would come,” she said, revealing that they have a flight scheduled for the following day. The emotional toll is evident, especially on her younger children, who question the packing process. “I could not tell them,” she lamented.

Amirat’s health has significantly deteriorated since her leukemia diagnosis in 2022. According to their legal advisor, Nicole Arghandewal, the situation is critical. “Her conditions are really worsening, and it is very likely she needs a stem cell or bone marrow donation from one of her siblings,” Arghandewal explained. The prospect of deportation poses a severe risk to Amirat’s survival, as her family fears that their removal will drastically reduce her chances of receiving the necessary treatment.

Compounding the family’s distress is their struggle with the healthcare system. “The hospital is now saying we are no longer covered by the government, and we have to pay out of our pockets,” stated Biliquees Fayemi, Amirat’s sister. The family has filed an emergency request with both Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to intervene in their deportation.

Background of the Fayemi Family

The Fayemi family’s journey to Canada began in a precarious situation. While on holiday in the United States in 2022, Afeez Fayemi, the father, had to return to Nigeria due to political obligations. The family claims he was kidnapped due to his ties with the Peoples Democratic Party, forcing Taiwo and the children to remain in North America.

Upon learning of Amirat’s serious illness, the family sought refuge in Canada, crossing from New York state into Quebec through Roxham Road, a known entry point for asylum seekers. After settling in Fort Erie, Taiwo worked as a personal support worker, demonstrating her commitment to contribute to her new community.

Despite their efforts, the family’s application for refugee status was denied. Taiwo reported that CBSA officers expressed doubt regarding the evidence of danger the family would face upon returning to Nigeria. “They said they’re not convinced because of the evidence we showed,” she explained. According to Arghandewal, Nigeria’s political climate, marked by violence against opposition members, poses a real threat to the Fayemi family.

A humanitarian application for permanent residence, submitted on March 3, 2025, was filed to protect the family, but they claim their deportation notice was issued before their case could be considered.

Legal and Humanitarian Challenges

Legal experts, including Arghandewal, are advocating for the family, emphasizing the urgency of their situation. “We filed an emergency deferral request application… kindly requesting to hear us out, intervene and stop this deportation,” she remarked. The family feels their lives are at stake, with Taiwo stating, “We don’t know what’s going to happen in Nigeria; it’s like the government is sending us home in a body bag.”

The CBSA has reiterated its legal obligations regarding the removal of individuals deemed inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Spokesperson Rebecca Purdy noted, “The timely removal of inadmissible foreign nationals plays a critical role in supporting the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.” She also clarified that humanitarian and compassionate applications do not automatically halt deportations.

As the Fayemi family’s situation unfolds, their community in Fort Erie rallies around them, highlighting the human impact of immigration policies and the complexities faced by families in crisis. The outcome of their case remains uncertain, but the stakes could not be higher for Amirat and her family.