Chidinma Adetshina’s controversial path to winning the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 crown has highlighted issues within the beauty pageant industry. While some celebrate her victory as a triumph over adversity, others argue that it underscores the need for greater transparency, inclusivity, and a focus on empowering women beyond physical beauty. Her journey—from facing identity challenges in South Africa to winning Nigeria’s national title— has sparked calls for reforms in the pageant system.
Read also: Miss Diaspora Nigeria USA vies for Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 crown The Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant began with registration opening on June 1 and closing on June 30. Twenty-four delegates were selected to represent Nigerian states. The competition featured an online voting system, where the top three contestants with the highest votes would automatically secure spots among the top 10 finalists.
However, on August 9th, 2024, controversy emerged regarding Chidinma Adetshina’s nationality and allegations of identity theft against her mother by South African authorities. Adetshina, a finalist in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, faced backlash from the South African public, who demanded her removal. Following this, she withdrew from the competition, igniting an online feud between South Africans and Nigerians.
Hours after her withdrawal, Guy Murray-Bruce, national director of Miss Universe Nigeria, invited Adetshina to join the ongoing 2024 Miss Universe Ni.