What was originally planned as a rally to protest her deportation became a celebration after a dramatic turn of events earlier in the week.
Akinwalere, known to her friends and supporters as Ola, was arrested Tuesday as she stepped out of the church. That came after someone made a complaint to Peel Regional Police. She was later released from custody with a stay on her deportation orders when church officials, human rights activists and political figures all took her cause up with immigration authorities.
A humble and grateful Akinwalere told the gathering she was thankful for all the support she has received.
"I am thankful to my lovely brother (Trinity Anglican minister) Steven (Mackison) who provided me sanctuary here," she said. "Thanks to the community, my support group and the authorities who let me go free."
The gathering joined in as a jubilant Akinwalere sang "thank you, thank you Jesus, thank you my Lord."
She then cut a big cake before one of the celebrants presented her with a caricature portrait of herself.
Akinwalere and her 12-year-old daughter Alice will be separated if Ola is eventually deported. After her own husband died in violence surrounding an uprising in her homeland, Akinwalere married his brother, as is the custom in her country. Alice can remain with her father in Canada.
Rev. Steven Mackison of Trinity Anglican Church called the recent turn of events "a blessing in disguise."
He added that immigration authorities have assured him Akinwalere will not be re-arrested and will be free to come and go until her appeal for legal status in Canada is heard.
"She has to appear before authorities every two weeks to show her presence in the community," said Mackison.
Mississauga South MP Paul Szabo was on hand for the celebration and to show his support for Akinwalere.
"This is not political," he said. "It is a community effort to bring (Ola) out of this situation."
Anglican Bishop Philip Poole, who heads the York Region-Credit Valley diocese, also thanked Akinwalere's supporters yesterday, cautioning those on hand that the final chapter has yet to be written for this story.
"Who would have thought Nelson Mandela will walk out of the prison and become the president of South Africa," said Poole. "It was not an easy journey and it's not over yet. Thank you all for providing sanctuary to Ola."
mississauganews@live.com
