CHIDIMMA Adetshina, the beauty pageant contestant who withdrew from Miss South Africa following a heated nationality dispute, has now accepted an invitation to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria.
In a video posted on her Instagram account, the 23-year-old expressed her excitement, saying, ‘I’m looking forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant,’ with a bright smile on her face.
Adetshina had originally entered this year’s Miss South Africa competition but decided to pull out after facing intense backlash fuelled by xenophobic sentiments. Although she is a South African citizen, critics questioned her eligibility because her father is Nigerian and her mother has Mozambican roots.
The controversy intensified when the South African Department of Home Affairs launched an investigation at the request of the Miss South Africa organisers. The inquiry suggested that Adetshina’s mother might have committed ‘identity fraud’ to secure South African nationality.
In light of these developments, Adetshina made the ‘difficult decision’ to exit the competition last Thursday, prioritising her family’s safety and well-being.
Following her withdrawal, Miss Universe Nigeria extended an invitation, offering her a chance to compete in their national pageant. The organisers stated that her ‘journey in the world of pageantry is far from over’ and that she could ‘represent her father’s native land on the international stage.’
It remains unclear whether Adetshina holds Nigerian nationality.
The winner of Miss Universe Nigeria will go on to represent the country at the global Miss Universe competition. Meanwhile, the South African Home Affairs department continues its investigation, seeking legal advice on the implications of the alleged fraudulent activity on Adetshina’s citizenship status.
The Miss South Africa competition took place last Saturday, with Mia le Roux becoming the first deaf woman to win the title. If Adetshina triumphs at Miss Universe Nigeria, she may face Le Roux on the international stage at Miss Universe in November.
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