CIVIL society organisations from all over Ireland will gather in Galway this Friday to stand in solidarity with Mayor Helen Ogbu.
Trade unions, human rights organisations, charities, elected representatives, voluntary workers and anti-racism activists are among those set to join the display of support on September 25.
There has been growing dismay within the migrant sector on both sides of the border at the rising levels of hatred being directed at Mrs Ogbu. A recent report by The Hope and Courage Collective revealed how, in the run-up to the Galway West by-election in May, she was subjected to “sustained online harassment, racism and intimidation”.
Helen Ogbu has lived in Ireland for 20 years, having fled her home country in 2006 over safety concerns for her family due to their political involvement. Her husband, political activist Sunny Orji-Ogbu, was murdered in 2010.
Mrs Ogbu was first elected as a Labour councillor in 2024 before making history as the first African woman to serve as Mayor of Galway City. But her short time in office has been blighted by personal attacks, slurs and lies, often propagated by frequent spreaders of disinformation about immigration to Ireland.
On Friday campaigners will meet the mayor in her council chambers before a roundtable discussion later in the afternoon.
Co-ordinating the day of solidarity is Chief Executive of the Derry-based charity North West Migrants Forum, Lilian Seenoi Barr. Mrs Barr created history herself when she was invited to serve as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council in April 2024. She too faced a barrage of racist abuse throughout her mayoral term, including a death threat which resulted in a 31-year-old man being jailed for five months.
Mrs Barr said she could not stand by and watch Councillor Helen Ogbu suffer the same level of abuse she did.
“We are witnessing something deeply worrying across this island. Racism is becoming louder, online abuse and harassment have become normalised and hate is becoming more organised and radicalised.
“Many of us know how that feels. I certainly do. As Mayor of Derry City and Strabane I was subjected to a relentless campaign of insult and vilification. But it wasn’t just aimed at me, it was aimed at what I represent. And that is exactly what we are seeing with Mayor Helen.
“I take heart though, and I hope Helen does too, from the fact that those whose greatest weapon is an algorithm will never be a match for good people, strong communities and a growing movement of individuals who believe that Ireland belongs to all of us.”
Helping co-ordinate the day of solidarity is prominent social justice campaigner Joe Loughnane.
He said it was obvious there was a “coordinated campaign” by “mostly non-Galway based social media accounts” to both defame and disgrace Helen Ogbu.
“It is in times like this that we need solidarity,” Mr Loughnane said. “That is why it’s great to hear that a whole host of civil society and human rights groups are planning a visit to Galway to stand firmly with Helen and the people of Galway against division and hatred.”
Ireland’s Special Rapporteur on Racial Equality and Racism, Dr Ebun Joseph, described the abuse levelled at Galway’s mayor as an “attack on the principle that everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or background, has an equal right to participate in and lead in public life”.
Dr Joseph said, “While such attacks must be acknowledged and challenged, they should not be allowed to overshadow the welcome, support and confidence that Helen has received from the people of Galway, including those who voted for her.
“As Ireland’s first person of migrant background to hold the office of Mayor of Galway, Mayor Ogbu’s appointment is a significant moment for representation and belonging. Her treatment reminds us that representation must be accompanied by protection, solidarity and action. Her mandate reflects the confidence placed in her by the people she now has the privilege of serving.
“We stand in solidarity with Mayor Ogbu and with all those working to ensure that racism and hate do not diminish the positive message of her election or the spirit of welcome that Galway represents.”
