Chidimma Adetshina, the former Miss South Africa contestant who withdrew from the pageant amidst controversy surrounding her citizenship, has accepted an invitation to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria. The move has sparked outrage amongst some South Africans, who see it as a blatant disregard for the country she was representing.
Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa competition was marred by allegations of identity fraud committed by her mother 23 years ago. Home Affairs launched a preliminary investigation, finding prima facie evidence to support the claims. The 23-year-old mother of one subsequently withdrew from the pageant, which was subsequently won by Mia le Roux.
The controversy surrounding Adetshina’s citizenship sparked a wave of Afrophobic backlash online, with many questioning her right to represent South Africa. It remains unclear whether Adetshina holds Nigerian nationality.
Following her withdrawal from Miss South Africa, Miss Universe Nigeria extended an invitation to Adetshina, stating that her "journey in the world of pageantry is far from over". They added that Adetshina would be able to "represent her father's native land on the international stage".
Adetshina has now accepted the invitation, confirming her participation in a video posted on Instagram.
"I have received an invitation from the Silverbird Group who are the organisers of the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, and I say this with great excitement because I have decided to accept the invitation. I have decided to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant. Thank you so much for this opportunity, and I look forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant, Miss Universe Nigeria," she said.
Adetshina’s decision to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria has been met with mixed reactions. While some have expressed support for her decision, others have condemned it as a betrayal of South Africa.
"It's a slap in the face to South Africans," said one social media user. "She was given a platform to represent our country, and she chose to walk away from it. Now she's going to represent another country."
Others have defended Adetshina, arguing that she has the right to choose where she wants to compete. "She's a young woman who's trying to make a name for herself," said another social media user. "It's her decision, and we should respect it."
The winner of Miss Universe Nigeria will represent the country at the prestigious Miss Universe competition, potentially setting up a face-off against Mia le Roux in November.
Meanwhile, South Africa's Home Affairs department is still conducting further investigations into the alleged identity fraud, with the aim of pressing criminal charges and obtaining legal advice "on the implications of the alleged fraudulent activity on Adetshina's citizenship status".
