Chidimma Adetshina crowned Miss Universe Nigeria after controversial Miss South Africa exit
Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria just weeks after being forced to withdraw from the Miss South Africa contest amid a heated nationality controversy.
Adetshina, who was born in Soweto and raised in Cape Town, faced intense scrutiny over her eligibility to compete in Miss South Africa due to her Nigerian father and Mozambican mother.
Despite being a South African citizen, critics questioned her place in the competition, prompting an investigation by South Africa’s home affairs department.
The inquiry revealed that Adetshina’s mother might have committed “identity theft” to obtain South African citizenship, though Adetshina was cleared of any wrongdoing as she was an infant at the time.
The controversy led to Adetshina’s withdrawal from the Miss South Africa competition, citing concerns for her family’s safety.
Her departure made international headlines, and soon after, she was invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria, representing her father’s homeland.
On Saturday, Adetshina was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, an achievement celebrated by many on social media as a triumph of resilience and unity.
However, the win has also sparked accusations of favoritism, with some critics arguing that her participation and victory were unjust.
Adetshina will now represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe contest in November, where she will face Mia le Roux, who succeeded her as Miss South Africa and became the first deaf woman to win the title.
