Chidimma Adetshina, representing Nigeria at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, is facing backlash from a South African group seeking her disqualification. The Progressive Forces of South Africa filed a petition claiming that both Chidimma and her mother are under investigation by the South African Department of Home Affairs for identity theft. The petition criticizes the Nigerian government’s decision to grant Chidimma diplomatic privileges, deeming it “non-compliant and arrogant.” So far, they have gathered 954 signatures in a bid to reach their goal of 1,000.
This controversy comes on the heels of the South African government revoking Chidimma and her mother’s citizenship on October 29, 2024. They were given a deadline to provide evidence of their South African citizenship or face the loss of their citizenship and travel documents.
Chidimma is currently in Mexico preparing for the Miss Universe finale, scheduled for November 16, after winning the Miss Nigeria pageant earlier this year, representing Taraba state. Her journey has been tumultuous; it began when she entered the Miss South Africa competition and a video of her wedding resurfaced, highlighting that only unmarried women can compete. Despite being a nationalized South African citizen, Chidimma faced criticism about her identity due to her Nigerian father and Mozambican mother.
After being cleared to compete by Miss South Africa’s governing body, ongoing online calls for her disqualification prompted an investigation into allegations that her mother’s naturalization may have involved forged documents. Faced with this backlash, Chidimma withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant, leading to an invitation from the Miss Nigeria organizers, which she accepted. This twist of fate ultimately led her to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe 2024.
As she prepares for the competition, Chidimma’s Instagram is filled with updates and her experiences in Mexico, keeping her supporters engaged despite the controversy surrounding her participation.
