Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old pageant hopeful, is set to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria competition after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa pageant due to a nationality dispute.
Ben Murray Bruce, a prominent Nigerian businessman, revealed in a video posted on his X page that Adetshina has accepted an invitation to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria.
The invitation was extended in a signed press release by Guy Murray-Bruce, National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria.
In the video shared, Adetshina expressed her excitement about participating in what she described as “Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant.”
With a beaming smile, she said she is looking forward to representing her father’s native land on the international stage.
Adetshina, who has South African citizenship, found herself at the center of a controversy when her eligibility was questioned because of her Nigerian father and Mozambican mother.
Adetshina spoke out against the hostility she faced, describing it as “black-on-black hate” and highlighting a specific form of xenophobia in South Africa known as “afrophobia,” which targets people from other African nations.
The whole backlash prompted the Miss South Africa organizers to involve the country’s Home Affairs department.
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The investigation suggested that her mother might have committed identity fraud to secure South African citizenship.
Amid the growing tension and concerns for her family’s safety, Adetshina made the tough decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa pageant last Thursday.
The winner of Miss Universe Nigeria will go on to represent the country at the Miss Universe competition.
Adetshina could potentially face off against a 28-year-old Mia le Roux, the newly crowned Miss South Africa.
Her historic win as the first deaf woman to hold the title has been somewhat overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the competition.
Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at just one year old, she now uses a cochlear implant to help her perceive sound.
In her acceptance speech, Le Roux expressed hope that her victory would inspire others who feel marginalized to pursue their “wildest dreams.”
She also emphasized her commitment to supporting those who are “financially excluded or differently abled.”
“I am a proudly South African deaf woman, and I know what it feels like to be excluded,” Le Roux said. “I know now that I was put on this planet to break boundaries, and I did it tonight.”
