Chidimma Adetshina Crowned Miss Universe Nigeria After Nationality Controversy in South Africa

Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, marking a triumphant turn in her journey after a highly publicised and contentious experience in South Africa. Adetshina, who was born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican descent, found herself at the center of a heated debate when she entered the Miss South Africa pageant.

Her participation in Miss South Africa sparked a wave of criticism, with some questioning her eligibility due to her Nigerian roots, despite her South African citizenship. The controversy escalated when South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs launched an investigation at the request of the Miss South Africa organisers. The investigation revealed that Adetshina’s mother may have committed identity theft to obtain South African nationality, although Adetshina herself was not implicated as she was an infant at the time.

Amidst the growing backlash and for the safety and well-being of her family, Adetshina made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa contest. Her decision made headlines, drawing attention to the challenges of nationality and identity in South Africa.

However, Adetshina’s dreams were far from over. The organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria, who had been following her story, extended an invitation for her to participate in their competition, allowing her to represent her father’s homeland on an international stage.

On Saturday, Adetshina was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria in an emotional ceremony. “This crown is not just for beauty; it’s a call for unity,” she stated, emphasising the significance of her victory after the intense scrutiny she faced. She expressed her gratitude to those who supported her, both in South Africa and Nigeria, and dedicated her win to the unity of the African continent.

Her victory has been met with widespread support on social media, with many praising her resilience and determination. “Your story is inspirational – you are stronger than you think, and we love you, our African sister,” one supporter wrote.

However, not everyone welcomed her win, with some accusing the contest of bias. Critics pointed out that Adetshina had only arrived in Nigeria for the first time in two decades just before the competition. Despite these claims, the Miss Universe Nigeria organisers have not responded to the accusations.

Adetshina will now represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition in November, joining other contestants from around the world, including Mia le Roux, the first deaf woman to win Miss South Africa after Adetshina’s withdrawal.

Her journey from being a finalist in Miss South Africa to winning Miss Universe Nigeria highlights the complex issues of identity and belonging in a globalised world. It also underscores the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. As Adetshina prepares for the international stage, her story continues to inspire many across the African continent and beyond.