Chidimma Adetshina, the beauty queen who made headlines for her decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa pageant due to a nationality controversy, has now received an invitation to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria. The 23-year-old shared her excitement in a video posted on Instagram, stating, “I’m looking forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant,” her face lit with a beaming smile.
Ms. Adetshina’s journey in the world of pageantry took an unforeseen twist when she encountered a wave of xenophobic backlash during her pursuit of the Miss South Africa crown. Her eligibility was called into question despite her South African citizenship, as her father is Nigerian and her mother is Mozambican. The controversy led to an investigation by the South African Department of Home Affairs, as they suspected that Ms. Adetshina’s mother may have engaged in “identity fraud” to acquire South African nationality.
Ms. Adetshina made the “difficult decision” to withdraw from the competition last Thursday, driven by her concern for her family’s safety and well-being. After her withdrawal, Miss Universe Nigeria graciously offered her the opportunity to participate in their esteemed pageant. The organizers expressed their belief that her “journey in the world of pageantry is far from over” and noted that she would have the opportunity to “represent her father’s native land on the international stage.”
It is not clear if Ms. Adetshina is a Nigerian citizen, but her involvement in Miss Universe Nigeria represents a noteworthy change in her pageant journey. Ms. Adetshina has the opportunity to showcase her talents on the global stage as the winner of Miss Universe Nigeria, representing her country in the prestigious Miss Universe competition.
Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa is currently conducting an investigation into the alleged fraudulent activity involving Ms. Adetshina. They are considering pressing criminal charges and reviewing the potential implications on her citizenship status.
Last Saturday, the Miss South Africa pageant came to an end, and Mia le Roux made history by becoming the first deaf woman to win the crown. If Ms. Adetshina emerges victorious in Miss Universe Nigeria, she may find herself competing against Miss Le Roux in the Miss Universe competition in November. This would undoubtedly create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation, as viewers eagerly await the potential showdown between these two remarkable contestants.
