Nigerian-Irish Councillor Targeted in Racially Motivated Attack in Navan
- Jan 26
- 2 min read
A Nigerian-Irish councillor in County Meath has reported a racially motivated assault after being verbally abused and spat on while returning to her car in Navan town centre.
Councillor Yemi Adenuga, a Fine Gael representative, said the incident occurred late on Friday evening after she had attended meetings in nearby Slane and was assisting residents with local issues. According to her account, she was approached by an unknown man who initially appeared to be engaging her in conversation before launching into a tirade of abuse.
The man allegedly accused the councillor of trying to tell Irish people how to live, claimed she was not welcome in the country, and told her to leave Ireland. The confrontation escalated when he spat on her before walking away, continuing to shout xenophobic remarks.
Adenuga described the experience as frightening and deeply unsettling, noting that while she has grown accustomed to verbal abuse and discriminatory comments due to her public role, the physical nature of this incident marked a serious escalation.
She said the attack left her shaken and concerned not just for herself, but for others who may be more vulnerable.
The councillor, who has served as a public representative in Meath for several years, stressed that the incident took place in the same community she has worked in and represented since her election. She reiterated that Ireland is her home and said she would not be intimidated or driven out by acts of hatred.
Two members of the public reportedly intervened during the incident to check on her welfare, after which the man left the area. Adenuga later reported the matter to An Garda Síochána, who are now aware of the complaint.
Reacting to the incident, the councillor warned that if such an attack could happen to an elected official in a busy town centre, it could happen to anyone. She called for stronger action to address rising hostility and intolerance, saying racist abuse has become increasingly normalised in public spaces.
The incident has added to growing concern in Ireland about racially motivated harassment, particularly against public figures and minorities. Investigations into the Navan attack are ongoing.
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