The organisers of the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant have formally invited Chidimma Adetshina to participate in their 2024 competition. This invitation comes after Adetshina’s withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant. It was prompted by immense backlash over questions surrounding her nationality.
The 23-year-old law student from Soweto, South Africa, made headlines when she announced her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant. She cited concerns for her and her family’s safety and well-being. Furthermore, this decision was made after a preliminary investigation by South Africa’s Home Affairs Department found that Adetshina’s mother may have committed “identity theft” to become a South African national.
The revelation of Adetshina’s Nigerian heritage on her father’s side started a social media debate. Some South Africans questioned whether she was truly deserving of representing their country on the Miss Universe stage. Additionally, a petition demanding her removal from the competition gathered over 14,000 signatures before it was taken down.
In an official press release posted on the Miss Universe Nigeria Instagram account, the pageant organisers expressed their solidarity with Adetshina, acknowledging the “circumstances surrounding [her] withdrawal” and the “challenges she may be facing.” “As a Nigerian by heritage, we would like to formally invite you to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant,” the press release stated..