Amidst the controversy around the former Miss SA contestant’s nationality saga, Chidimma Adetshina is headed for greener pastures after having accepted an invitation to chase the Miss Universe Nigeria crown.
Following a social media uproar regarding the validity of her South African citizenry, the Department of Home Affairs found prima facie evidence that the 23-year-old’s mother may have committed identity theft and fraud.
After an outcry by social media users who demanded her resignation from the Miss SA pageant, the beauty queen withdrew, claiming she feared for her and her family’s life.
Organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria took it upon themselves to reclaim their Nigerian descendant by inviting Adetshina to participate in the contest; and despite skipping competition rounds, she landed a spot among the top 24, six days ago.
In a statement, the pageant’s national director, Guy Murray-Bruce, said Adetshina would be representing her father’s native land if she were to accept the invitation.
Days after Mia Le Roux was crowned Miss SA, Adetshina accepted the chance to contend for the Nigerian crown. She said she felt honoured to participate in Africa’s most prestigious pageant, as Nigeria is popularly dubbed “the African Giant”.
“I have decided to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria beauty pageant. I understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with this title, and I am so excited to embark on this journey. I want to say thank you for this opportunity, and I am looking forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious pageant, Miss Universe Nigeria,” she said.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, Murray-Bruce told reporters that he personally went to great lengths to contact and convince Adetshina to vie for the crown, seeing that she had Nigerian blood running through her veins.
“She had to step down for fear of her family’s and her life. We asked her if she would kindly like to participate in the pageant since she has Nigerian blood. I reached out to the national director, who is my personal friend, and her hands were tied as it was beyond her. We sent a press release on social media, and Chidimma reached out to me,” said Murray-Bruce.
The controversial Operation Dudula which campaigns against foreign nationals, welcomed Adetshina’s decision, additionally pledging support for her to win the crown. The group had threatened to disrupt the Miss SA event last week had she decided to see through the competition.
“We support Chichi on this new journey. We truly hope you will take the crown in Nigeria as you should. Go well Miss Nigeria. However, your parents are staying, the court is calling them,” the group wrote on X.
The Star